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The United Nations Children's Education Fund, known as UNICEF, has reported that Rubella Measles is a significant contributor to birth defects in newborns.
UNICEF stated that if left undetected and untreated, the disease can lead to lifelong hearing loss, congenital issues, cataracts, and vision impairment, among other consequences.
This announcement was made during a training workshop on media engagement, health education, and health worker awareness for the upcoming introduction of the Measles Rubella vaccination campaign, which will commence in October 2025.
Grace Odeyemi, the UNICEF Lead for Niger State, emphasized in her presentation on Behavioral Change that there is a pressing need to amplify the awareness campaign regarding Rubella Measles, especially targeting pregnant women.
Despite being recognized globally for many years, this marks the inaugural introduction of the Rubella Measles vaccine in Nigeria. “Rubella Measles poses serious risks; it can lead to defects in newborns, either at birth or later in their development.
While mothers are familiar with Measles vaccination for children aged zero to 14 months, the Rubella Measles vaccine is intended for children between nine months and 14 years,” she noted.
“Our campaign kicks off in October, and we aim to reach all pregnant women and their newborns. We wish to prevent the defects that Rubella Measles can cause.
The media's role will be vital in sensitizing women and encouraging participation in this initiative,” she added.
In collaboration with the Niger State Government, UNICEF is working to advocate for the Rubella vaccine through the Ministry of Primary Health Care, which has expressed its commitment to eliminate Rubella Measles in the region. Dr. Ibrahim Dangana, the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, represented by the ministry’s State Immunisation Officer, Abubakar Kpantu, stated that the training aimed to facilitate the Rubella vaccination campaign for children aged nine months to 14 years. “We anticipate reaching every household once the vaccination program begins in October.
Nigeria significantly contributes to the global Measles and Rubella burden, accounting for 37% of cases, while Polio represents 54% in Africa, closely following the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“This campaign seeks to address immunity gaps, halt the spread of Polio, Measles, and Rubella infections, and enhance Routine Immunisation. It is important to note that Rubella remains poorly documented in Nigeria due to inadequate surveillance.
The 2024 Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) continues to be a major public health issue worldwide, with around 100,000 babies being born with CRS annually,” Dangana remarked.
