Abuja, 23 November, 2015: Nigeria has launched the 2015 Measles campaign in Abuja, targeting the vaccination of 39 million children between 9 and 59 months of age across the country. The two-phase follow-up campaign is scheduled to be implemented in the 19 states of the North and the Federal Capital Territory from 21-23 November 2015, while 28 January-1 February 2016 are the dates reserved for the southern states.

The Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Florunsho Adewole who performed the symbolic ceremony, the first by a serving Minister, stated that Nigeria will “raise the bar in coverage in line with the goals of universal health coverage” as he observed, over “60% of Nigerians are poor and government must take health to their doorstep”.

According to the Minister, it is unacceptable that thousands of children die of measles annually, adding that “no eligible child should miss the opportunity” being accorded by the vaccination .

“Therefore, we will join in the campaign of the World Health Organization (WHO), to eliminate measles by 2020”, he added.

Measles is a highly infectious viral disease that leads to significant number of deaths among children in developing countries. Close to 75% of measles cases may have one or more complications such as pneumonia or blindness; particularly in malnourished children.

In a goodwill message and speaking on behalf of partners, Dr Fiona Braka who represented Dr Rui Gama Vaz, the WHO Country Representative, noted that “a measles vaccine has been in use for over 50 years and it is safe, effective and inexpensive”. She stated that, “WHO recommends that every child receives two doses of measles vaccine through the national immunization program.”

Dr Braka commended the Nigeria government in spearheading preparations for the campaign towards measles elimination. “The country has demonstrated strong leadership and partnership in implementing public health strategies for the reduction of child morbidity and mortality”. She added that WHO remains committed to providing the needed technical support towards disease prevention and control, including measles elimination.

Other partners at the national flag-off event included UNICEF, CDC, USAID and Lions Club International.

Equally, several states in the north including Kaduna, Kebbi, Kwara, Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto and Zamfara, have conducted flag-off ceremonies by representatives of their Governors to create awareness and visibility for the measles campaign and drive home, the message of compliance to vaccination recommendations down to the grassroots.

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For more information, please contact:

Technical contacts:

Dr Fiona Braka; Tel: +234 703 170 5252; Email:  brakaf [at] who.int
Ms Florence Shirehwa: +234 810 221 0187; Email:  shirehwafl [at] who.int
Media contact:

Ms  Charity Warigon; Tel: +234 810 221 0093; Email:  warigonc [at] who.int

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Below:

01. Professor Isaac Florunsho Adewole vaccinating a child to flag-off the 2015 Measles campaign

02. The Minister of Health Health flanked by Dr Fiona Braka (left), Ms Jean Gough, UNICEF Country Repreentative  (right) and other partners

03. Dr Fiona Braka delivering the goodwill message