The centers for the control and prevention of diseases in the United States (CDC of the USA.) Declare that they are working closely with the Nigerian government and partners such as Gavi to combat the high incidence of measles in Nigeria.
The US CDCs, in collaboration with Gavi, points to more than 100 million children in a massive campaign to vaccinate measles.
He said Gavi has supported the campaign with almost $ 33 million. Despite the challenges, they have progressed, with a slight decrease in the cases of measles reported in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
The Epidemiologist of the US CDC Nigeria Global Immunization Disease (GID), Dr. Joseph Forbi, in his presentation at a round media table in Abuja, said that Nigeria is among the 10 main countries that report worldwide the largest number of measles cases.
“In 2024, Nigeria reported more than 20,000 suspicious measles cases, with approximately 10,000 confirmed cases, mainly among children not vaccinated and little vaccinated.”
“Immunization coverage in Nigeria is 60% low, well below the desired coverage of 95%. We want to be about 95% coverage, but at this point, we only have 60%.” Currently, around 3 million Nigerian children remain unprotected due to the lack of contact with the measles vaccine.
He revealed that measles is extremely infectious, with a person capable of infecting approximately 18 people who are not immune.
“The virus spreads through respiratory drops or direct contact with contaminated surfaces and can remain active in the air for up to two hours.”
“The initial symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, nasal secretion and red and aqueous eyes. Complications can cause disability or death, with three out of 10 cases that result in complications such as ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia and encephalitis.”
“The Nigerian government has adopted a strategic plan to eliminate measles by 2030 and has introduced the rubella measles vaccine to boost population immunity.
“The Government has also strengthened primary medical care systems and established coordination centers for routine immunization in 18 low performance states.”
“The United States CDCs are collaborating with the government and partners to support measles elimination efforts.
“They have helped develop the 2030 strategic plan, supported mass population campaigns, developed a study plan for health officials and provided technical assistance during vaccination campaigns. They have also strengthened national laboratory networks for measles tests.”
Forbi urged the Federal Government to continue prioritizing measles elimination efforts, ensuring resources for routine immunization and complementary immunization activities.
“Parents are urged to take their children to vaccination and complete the entire vaccination schedule.
The government must also provide an environment conducive to vaccination efforts, particularly in areas with insecurity.
“We have seen a slight decrease in the number of measles cases in the country. However, sustained efforts are necessary to achieve the objective of measles elimination by 2030.” Added.
The director of the program, Dr. Patricia Tanifum, revealed that the United States disease control and prevention centers (CDC of the United States) are working closely with the Nigerian government to combat the high incidence of measles in Nigeria.
According to Dr. Tanifum, Nigeria is slightly behind in compliance with his measles elimination objectives, but the Government, through the Ministry of Health and the Health Care Development Agency, is making significant efforts to meet the immunization objectives. The United States CDCs are supporting these efforts as a partner, with the aim of ensuring that the country meets its objectives.
Measles is a highly infectious disease that can cause disability and death, especially in children. Worldwide, there is an agenda to eliminate measles by 2030, and Nigeria is aligned with this agenda.
“The US CDCs, in collaboration with Gavi, points to more than 100 million children in a massive campaign to vaccinate measles.” She said