The Nasarawa State Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of measles in Rukubi community, Doma Local Government Area, just months ahead of the scheduled introduction of a combined measles and rubella vaccine across the state.
The development, which has sparked concern among health officials and residents, was announced on Tuesday during a critical stakeholders’ engagement held in Lafia, where the state government reiterated its commitment to tackling childhood killer diseases such as measles and rubella.
Governor Abdullahi Sule, represented by his deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the urgent need for the new vaccine campaign. According to him, measles and rubella are highly contagious illnesses that can result in serious complications including blindness, deafness, brain damage, and even death if not properly managed.
“In my practice as a doctor, I have seen children lose their sight to rubella. The disease is real and preventable,”; Akabe stated. “The introduction of this vaccine is a collective commitment to safeguarding every child in Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large.”;
The outbreak in Rukubi comes as preparations intensify for the integration of the rubella vaccine into the existing routine immunisation program. Health Commissioner Dr. Gaza Gwamna disclosed that medical personnel have already been deployed to affected communities in Doma LGA to contain the spread.
“We are not taking chances,”; Dr. Gwamna said. “Although the vaccination campaign will officially begin in October, groundwork including sensitisation is crucial, especially given the religious and cultural contexts that must be respected.”;
The stakeholders’ meeting, attended by all 13 local government council chairmen and their spouses, also served as a platform to mobilise local support for the campaign.
Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Primary HealthCare Development Agency, Dr. Usman Iskilu, lauded the governor’s proactive stance, noting that the two-in-one vaccine is key to protecting children aged 0 to 15 months.
“Rubella and measles are not only dangerous but preventable,”; Iskilu said. “Our goal is to ensure that every eligible child is immunised, and that requires the full support of our traditional, religious and political leaders.”;
With the October launch date approaching, health officials are intensifying community engagement efforts to ensure wide acceptance and success of the vaccine rollout in Nasarawa State.
