The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has announced plans to launch the 2025/2026 Integrated Health Campaign, described as the biggest health drive in Africa’s history.
Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the agency, represented by the Director of Advocacy and Communication, Dr. Ladan Aliyu, revealed this during a media orientation on Saturday in Abuja. He explained that the campaign, starting October 6, will not only expand immunization coverage but also introduce the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine into Nigeria’s routine schedule.
The campaign will run in two phases across 20 northern states and Oyo State. It will provide multiple interventions, including routine immunization for children under two, measles-rubella vaccine for children aged 9 months to 14 years, polio vaccination for children under five, and HPV vaccination for adolescent girls. Altogether, about 63 million children are expected to be reached between October 6–13 and October 18–27, 2025.
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Dr. Aliyu emphasized the critical role of the media in countering misinformation, warning that rumours remain a major barrier to vaccine uptake. He called for stronger collaboration to ensure accurate information reaches households.
Also speaking, Dr. Nana Sanda, Director of Community Health Services, said health is a shared responsibility and urged stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns.
On his part, Dr. Frank Obi, Consultant with AFENET Nigeria, assured that the new MR vaccine is safe, noting that only mild, temporary side effects such as fever or rash may occur.
The initiative is supported by key partners including WHO, UNICEF, UBEC, Red Cross, and NCDC.
