Niger State, Nigeria – In a strong show of leadership and commitment to child and maternal health, Her Excellency Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago, the First Lady of Niger State, has pledged her full support for the Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccine Advocacy Project ahead of Nigeria’s planned national rollout in October 2025.

The commitment came during a high-level advocacy visit by key stakeholders championing the MR campaign across Nigeria. The delegation included the Honourable Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, represented by Dr. Mohammed Gana, Permanent Secretary of the ministry; Dr. Aisha Ndaliman, State Focal Person for the project; and Dr. Isa Yahaya Vatsa, North Central Consultant.

Dr. Ndaliman shared the project’s primary objective: to reduce the burden of measles and rubella, particularly among children aged 9 months to 14 years—the group most vulnerable to infection. She emphasized the importance of increasing awareness, combating misinformation, and improving vaccine uptake across the state.

Dr. Vatsa highlighted the critical role of the First Lady in coordinating the involvement of influential women leaders, particularly the Wives of the 25 Local Government Chairmen, in driving grassroots mobilization. He also emphasized the risks rubella poses to pregnant women and the need for stronger public awareness of its often-overlooked impact.

The statewide MR vaccination campaign is expected to launch in October 2025, with funding and technical support from GAVI, along with collaboration from federal and state governments, NPHCDA, and other partners.

Local governments are also stepping up. Honourable Iliyasu Zakari, Chairman of Agwara Local Government and ALGON Chairman in Niger State, pledged LGA-level support for both implementation and funding of the campaign. He commended the First Lady’s ongoing dedication to the health of women and children across the state.

In her response, Her Excellency Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago expressed her appreciation to the delegation for their efforts and reaffirmed her commitment to seeing the project succeed. She emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in ensuring every eligible child in Niger State is protected against measles and rubella.

“This is not just a campaign; it’s a mission to safeguard the lives of children and strengthen our communities. I am fully committed to supporting every effort that ensures no child is left behind,” said the First Lady.

The visit marks a significant milestone in Niger State’s preparations for the MR vaccine rollout, reinforcing the importance of political will, community engagement, and leadership at every level.