CHAMPIONING CHANGE: NIGERIA GOVERNORS’ SPOUSES FORUM (NGSF) DRIVING MEASLES-RUBELLA VACCINE ADVOCACY
NGSF’s Leadership in Measles-Rubella Vaccine Advocacy
The Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF) is a coalition of the spouses of state governors across Nigeria, dedicated to addressing critical social, economic, and health issues affecting citizens, particularly women and children. Since its inception, the forum has played a pivotal role in advocacy and mobilization, leveraging its influence to promote sustainable development goals, particularly in health, education, and poverty alleviation. They played a key role in the introduction of the human papilloma virus vaccine that helps in the prevention of cervical cancer in women.
A landmark partnership between the Centre for Well-being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (C-WINS) and the NGSF was formalized on December 5, 2024, at the NGSF office in Abuja marking a strategic collaboration to spearhead the nationwide introduction of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine. Given the forum’s extensive networks and influence at the governance and sub-national levels, this partnership is a crucial step toward achieving the country’s ambitious target of 95% MR vaccine coverage.
During the engagement with NGSF, the need for the inclusion of the Rubella antigen to the current measles vaccine was explained to the Governors spouses and the urgency of the MR vaccine introduction was underscored. Measles and Rubella remain serious public health threats with potentially devastating consequences, particularly for children. As highlighted by the Project Team Lead, Dr. Nihinlola Mabogunje, measles can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death, while rubella poses significant risks, including congenital birth defects when contracted during pregnancy. The MR vaccine provides a safe, effective means to prevent these diseases and safeguard future generations.
Achieving widespread immunization coverage and impact requires more than just government commitment and funding—it demands community engagement, particularly in rural and under-served areas. Recognizing the power of leadership in public health advocacy, C-WINS working with the government advocacy structures has strategically partnered with the NGSF to drive this initiative forward.
During the meeting, the NGSF committed to mobilizing women’s groups, families, and communities across all 36 states to ensure the success of the MR vaccine campaign. The Chairperson of the NGSF, Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, First Lady of Kwara State, reaffirmed this commitment, stating:
“Our role is to ensure no child is left behind. We are passionate about leveraging our influence and platforms to protect Nigeria’s children from preventable diseases.”
Through this partnership, the NGSF continues to demonstrate unwavering leadership in advancing child health and immunization equity, reinforcing its role as a formidable force in public health advocacy work to:
- Secure government support and funding to introduce the MR vaccine.
- Raise public awareness about the importance and benefits of MR vaccination including using the individual pet programs of the respective First Ladies.
- Ensure high vaccine coverage is achieved and sustained by integrating it into routine immunization programs with a long-term vision for the future.
This partnership represents more than just a campaign—it’s a movement to create a healthier, stronger Nigeria. With the support of the NGSF, C-WINS is committed to reaching every corner of the country, ensuring that no child remains vulnerable to preventable diseases.
To this end, the advocacy momentum recently gained further strength through the NGSF, as First Ladies across states took the lead in championing immunization efforts. This initiative commenced with the First Lady of Ebonyi State, Mrs. Mary Uzoamaka Nwifuru, launching the campaign in Abakaliki on February 17, 2025, followed by Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazak in Kwara State on February 21, 2025. Others followed rapidly; Enugu 27th February, Bauchi 12th March, Bayelsa 13th March, Gombe 18th March, Abia 28th March, Nasarawa 7th April, Adamawa 8th April, Ogun 9th April, Ekiti 24th April, Zamfara 25th April, Jigawa 30th April, and Cross River 3rd May. In Akwa Ibom (25th January) and Benue (9th April) States where First Ladies do not exist, the government supported the launch efforts by delegating officials to perform the role.
Collaborative Efforts: Advancing Vaccine Advocacy in Ebonyi State
In Ebonyi State, Mrs. Nwifuru assured parents of the vaccine’s safety during the official flag-off of the sensitization campaign at the Women Development Center, Abakaliki. This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Initiative of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, reinforcing the government’s commitment to investing in immunization. The campaign leverages multiple channels, including radio, television, and community outreach, to ensure grassroots awareness and participation. The First Lady urged parents to embrace Measles-Rubella vaccination assuring them of the vaccine safety (The Nation of February 18, 2025, Democracy Newsline of 18 February 2025). Flagging off the campaign at the Women Development Center Abakaliki on Monday, February 17, 2025, Mrs Nwifuru said that the campaign was part of the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady of the country, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. She noted that measles and rubella were preventable and advocated for regular application of vaccines on children to prevent the menace.
“Today marks a significant step in our efforts to create awareness and sensitization of vaccine ahead of the October 25th massive vaccination against measles and rubella.
“Government would continue to invest in immunization, all government appointees have a role to play in ensuring the success of the campaign.”
Mrs Nwifuru said that the advocacy/sensitisation campaign would focus on use of radio/television outlets, community engagement, outreach by health workers to reach out to the grassroots.
“As an advocate of maternal and child health, the campaign align with the vision of Renewed Hope Initiative and BERWO Foundation”
“Vaccine is a life saver, it is not meant to kill anybody, I urge all parents, caretakers to bring their children to the nearest vaccination center.” Ebonyi state like most southern states are to introduce the vaccine in the first quarter of 2026.
Ebonyi State’s commitment to the advocacy campaign is evident in the active participation of government officials and health stakeholders.
To underpin Her Excellency’s assertion, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, highlighted the importance of early awareness at ensuring vaccine acceptance while the WHO Surveillance Officer, Dr. Elandi Dadi, reported a significant decline in measles cases due to earlier intensified campaigns.
According to WHO data:
- In 2022, Ebonyi recorded 322 suspected measles cases, with 49 confirmed.
- In 2023, cases dropped to 118 suspected and 19 confirmed.
- By 2024, suspected cases further declined to 86, with only one confirmed case.
President of Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Dr Ndidiamaka Lilian Nwaobashi, in a lecture titled, “Benefits of Vaccines Measles and Rubella,” harped on the need for mothers and caregivers to bring their children to the vaccination post when the introduction of MR campaign commences in 2026.
The event brought together key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials, development partners, and health professionals, to discuss the importance of the vaccine and strategies for community engagement
“We are starting the sensitisation activity now at the state, wards and the grassroots, by first quarter of 2026., the implementation proper would come up”
The day began with an early morning road walk, which took off from the stadium and served as a public demonstration to raise awareness about the Measles-Rubella vaccine. Participants, including health professionals, government officials, and volunteers engaged with community members along the route, distributing informational materials and encouraging immunization uptake.
Advocacy In Action: Strengthening Vaccine Efforts in Kwara State
Engagement with the First Lady of Kwara State
As part of ongoing efforts to advance the Measles-Rubella Vaccine Introduction Advocacy Project, a delegation from C-WINS, led by the Head of Mission, Dr. M.Z. Mahmud, paid an advocacy visit to the First Lady of Kwara State and Chairperson of the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF), Ambassador Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazak, in Ilorin on February 22, 2025. This visit served as both an appreciation for prior engagements and a reaffirmation of collaboration in immunization advocacy.
The delegation, which included the North Central Zonal Consultant, Dr. Vatsa; Kwara State NPHCDA Coordinator, Amina Bello; State Director of NOA, Dare Abdulganiyu; Health Sector Reform Coalition focal person, Dr. Folorunsola, the Chief Medical Director of Children’s Hospital, Ilorin, lauded the First Lady’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding child health through immunization. Her leadership positions Kwara State as a frontrunner in immunization equity, reinforcing the state’s dedication to child health and disease prevention.
During the meeting, several pivotal commitments were reaffirmed to ensure the successful rollout of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine, with a strong focus on achieving 95% coverage and herd immunity. These include:
State-wide Stakeholder Engagement – A commitment to engaging key stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, using the state advocacy template. This approach addressed vaccine hesitancy, foster trust, and increase uptake.
Financial Commitment to Equity Contribution – The pledge to secure the State and Local Government Areas’ (LGAs) counterpart funds needed for the successful roll out of the MR introduction..
Multi-Sectoral Collaboration – The involvement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) office and 89 NGOs, including the AJIKE People’s Support Centre, enhancing advocacy and outreach efforts, and ensuring widespread dissemination of immunization messages.
Public Demonstration of Commitment – A symbolic sensitization walk, led by the Honorable Commissioner for Women Affairs on February 21, 2025, underscored the state’s dedication to public health and immunization advocacy.
Setting the Pace for Other States – Kwara State’s leadership in MR vaccine introduction and routine immunization, mirroring past success with HPV vaccination, reinforced its role as a national model for immunization efforts.
Strategic Media Advocacy – A commitment to leveraging media platforms, including podcasts and social media appearances, featuring the First Lady and other key figures. This strategy, similar to the UN Women campaign, would significantly amplify vaccine advocacy.
Follow-Up Meeting for Sustained Coordination – A follow-up Zoom meeting with the advocacy team and the Honorable Commissioner for Health and the Executive Secretary, State Primary Health Care Development Agency in the week of February 23, 2025 refined strategies and maintained momentum for MR vaccine introduction.
These commitments reaffirmed Kwara State’s leadership in advancing child health and immunization equity, underscoring its unwavering dedication to this life-saving mission.
Conclusion
These advocacy efforts, spearheaded by First Ladies, government agencies, and civil society, underscore Nigeria’s dedication to eliminating measles and rubella diseases. Through sustained stakeholder engagement, public awareness, and grassroots mobilization, the Measles-Rubella Vaccine Introduction Advocacy Project continues to drive positive health outcomes, paving the way for a healthier future for Nigerian children.
