The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has launched a major immunisation push in Nigeria, aiming to vaccinate over two million unprotected children across the country.
The campaign was flagged off on Monday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
It marks the start of the National Integrated Measles-Rubella and Polio Immunisation Campaign, designed to strengthen routine vaccination coverage, which currently stands at about 60 per cent.
According to the organisers, the campaign is expected to be the largest in Nigeria’s history, targeting 106 million children across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Deputy Director for Immunisation and Disease Control at the Gates Foundation, Yusuf Yusufari, said the Foundation remains committed to ensuring that no child dies from preventable diseases.
Yusufari said, “Nigeria has become a global example of resilience in protecting children’s health.
Just as we fought cervical cancer and polio, our goal is to ensure no child is left unprotected.”
He added that the Foundation’s work reflects Bill Gates’ long-term vision, backed by his $200 billion commitment over the next 20 years to improve global health.
The Gates Foundation played a key role in Nigeria’s battle against wild poliovirus, helping the nation achieve polio-free certification after years of outbreaks.
Yusufari highlighted that new vaccines have been added to Nigeria’s immunisation program, including pneumococcal, rotavirus, HPV, and measles-rubella vaccines.
The latter will protect children against two deadly diseases at once.
Addressing the issue of zero-dose children, he stressed that the gap must be closed immediately.
“These children are completely unprotected,” he said. “Many are still being missed, fuelling measles outbreaks and the spread of variant polio virus type 2. This is the urgent gap we must close.”
The Foundation revealed that the new campaign will reach 21 states, combining the administration of measles-rubella and polio vaccines in a single visit.
Families in four pilot states will also receive malaria nets, deworming tablets, and other essential services.
“This integrated approach saves families time, maximises resources, and builds public trust,” Yusufari explained.
“A mother can leave one clinic visit knowing her children are protected against measles, rubella, polio, and malaria.”
The Gates Foundation urged the government, partners, and local communities to work as one team to close Nigeria’s immunisation gap.
It stressed that collaboration and innovation are key to protecting every child and strengthening the country’s primary healthcare system.
“If we succeed,” Yusufari said, “Nigeria will safeguard its children and inspire the world with what’s possible when we act with urgency, unity, and persistence.”
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