The Niger State Authorities, UNICEF, WHO and different improvement companions have engaged journalists and stakeholders in a bid to roll out the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine within the state, focusing on three million youngsters.
Niger State Governor Mohammad Umaru Bago had formally endorsed the marketing campaign, emphasised the intense implications of measles and rubella, and affirmed the protection and efficacy of the MR vaccine, saying that it supplies important safety towards each ailments.
Bago had reiterated his administration’s unwavering dedication to the well being and well-being of the citizenry, particularly youngsters, by making certain that there’s the MR vaccine in any respect healthcare services throughout the 274 wards of the state.
Talking with the Guardian shortly throughout the Media Dialogue put collectively in collaboration with UNICEF, WHO, GAVI and different companions in Minna on Friday, 3 October 2025, the Incident Supervisor of the Niger State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), Dr Fatima Ibrahim, defined that the MR vaccine is one other very important step in direction of enhancing public well being.
Dr Fatima additionally highlighted the nation’s pivotal second because it prepares to include the Measles-Rubella vaccine into the nationwide immunisation schedule.
Dr Ibrahim added, “Rubella poses severe dangers throughout being pregnant, resulting in lifelong problems for affected infants,” stressing that, “with the introduction of the Measles-Rubella vaccine, we now have an extra, highly effective device to fight these ailments and safeguard future generations,” she famous.
The MR vaccine is secure, government-funded, and free for all eligible youngsters aged 9 months to 14 years.
She, nevertheless, emphasised the important function of the media within the marketing campaign, particularly within the space of consciousness and sensitisation.
In her keynote deal with, the Chief of Kaduna Subject Workplace, Dr Gerida Birukila, represented by UNICEF Well being Specialist Dr Ahmed Tsofo, stated the media has a important function to play within the marketing campaign for the MR vaccine.
Dr Birukila’s phrases: “Your voices can break down myths and misinformation. Your platforms can construct belief in public well being, and you may make vaccination not only a medical necessity however a parental responsibility and a neighborhood worth proudly upheld.”
Dr Gerida enjoined the media to help by mobilising mother and father, caregivers and communities—in order that immunisation days are seen not as routine, however as moments of safety and demonstrations of care.
The UNICEF Chief urged the media to counter myths and disinformation—with details and information delivered in clear, relatable language. Dr Birukila additional appealed to practitioners to amplify correct data—so that folks know vaccines are secure, efficient, paid for by the federal government, and supplied at no further value.
