The Kwara State Government will begin the rollout of the new combined Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine on October 9, aiming to reduce childhood deaths and prevent birth defects caused by rubella during pregnancy.

The new vaccine, which protects against both measles and rubella (German measles), is being introduced into Nigeria’s routine immunisation system for children aged 9 months to 14 years.

Health officials say this rollout is critical in stopping congenital rubella syndrome, a condition that can cause lifelong disabilities such as blindness, deafness, and heart defects in babies when rubella is contracted during pregnancy.

“This vaccine is very important,” said Prof. Nusirat Elelu, Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency.

“Previously, we only gave measles vaccines, leaving mothers and children exposed to rubella. Now, we’re addressing both.”

The national launch of the MR vaccine will be flagged off by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on October 6. Kwara’s campaign will officially begin on October 9, led by the state’s First Lady.

Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine offers dual protection for children and pregnant women.

Rubella, though mild in children, is dangerous during pregnancy.

Early immunisation prevents congenital rubella syndrome and childhood deaths.

The state has already taken delivery of the vaccines and completed national-level training. Local health workers are being trained to ensure full coverage, even in hard-to-reach areas.

“We’ve engaged traditional rulers, religious leaders, schools, and the media,” Elelu said.

“We’re also hosting events like a community football match on October 8 to raise awareness.”

In preparation for the vaccine rollout, Kwara is also renovating over 100 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state with support from the World Bank’s IMPACT project, UNICEF, and the Global Fund.

So far, over 70 PHCs across all 16 local government areas are undergoing upgrades. Elelu confirmed that the state has met its counterpart funding obligations for health programmes consistently over the last five years.

While vaccine supply and delivery are in place, Elelu warned that misinformation remains a major threat to immunisation success.

“Every time misinformation wins, a life is lost,” she said. “We need the media and the public to spread accurate information so families can make informed health choices.”