VACCINES, VOICES, VISION: How first ladies are driving immunisation equity
By KEMI KASUMU
Since the partnership’s launch, First Ladies across the federation have taken the lead in launching state-level campaigns.
The Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF) has emerged as a formidable force in public health advocacy as it spearheads the nationwide push for the introduction of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine.
Through a strategic alliance with the Centre for Well-being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (C-WINS), the NGSF is leveraging its influence to secure government support, raise public awareness, and ensure widespread uptake of the MR vaccine, targeting an ambitious national coverage of 95 per cent.
In a statement on Tuesday, Dr Nihinlola Mabogunje, the project team lead at C-WINS, emphasised the critical role the MR vaccine plays in safeguarding children and preventing future outbreaks.
“This vaccine is not just a health intervention; it is an investment in the next generation,” she stated.
The governors’ wives’ involvement in the successful rollout of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, which prevents cervical cancer, is a testament to their influence and effectiveness in health advocacy.
On December 5, 2024, this landmark partnership was formalised at the NGSF Secretariat in Abuja.
The agreement signalled a strategic alignment to boost Nigeria’s MR vaccine coverage to 95 per cent, a goal seen as both urgent and necessary.
According to public health experts, measles and rubella are highly contagious diseases with severe consequences. Measles can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death, while rubella, if contracted during pregnancy, can cause miscarriage or congenital birth defects.
Understanding the need for widespread awareness and community involvement, especially in rural and underserved regions, the NGSF has stepped up to fill this vital role.
With their reach at state and local levels, the First Ladies are uniquely positioned to address vaccine hesitancy and encourage uptake through trust-based engagement.
A significant boost to the advocacy came on February 22, 2025, when a delegation led by C-WINS Head of Mission, Dr. Zubairu Mahmud, visited the First Lady of Kwara State and Chairperson of the NGSF, Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, in Ilorin.
This high-level engagement reinforced the Forum’s commitment to the campaign’s objectives.
The delegation, which included representatives from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), National Orientation Agency (NOA), and health-focused NGOS, praised Abdulrazaq’s dedication to child health and immunisation. Under her leadership, Kwara State has emerged as a frontrunner in promoting equitable vaccine access.
It stated, “Key outcomes from the meeting included stakeholder engagement, a pledge to engage traditional and religious leaders, using a state-specific advocacy template to combat misinformation and build community trust, and assurance of funding counterpart contributions at state and local government levels to support the vaccine rollout.
“Multi-sectoral Partnerships: Collaboration with the SDG Office and over 80 NGOs, including the AJIKE People’s Support Centre, to broaden outreach and advocacy, public mobilisation.”
Abdulrazaq reiterated the Forum’s overarching mission: “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.”
Since the partnership’s launch, First Ladies across the federation have taken the lead in launching state-level campaigns. The rollout began with Ebonyi State’s First Lady, Mrs. Mary Uzoamaka Nwifuru, in Abakaliki on February 17, 2025.
Other states followed suit in quick succession: Enugu (February 27), Bauchi (March 12), Bayelsa (March 13), Gombe (March 18), Abia (March 28), Nasarawa (April 7), Adamawa (April 8), Ogun (April 9), Ekiti (April 24), Zamfara (April 25), Jigawa (April 30), and Cross River (May 3). Designated government officials led the campaigns in Akwa Ibom and Benue States, where First Ladies are unavailable.
In Cross River State, First Lady Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Edet Otu was represented by Mrs. Queen Eton at the vaccine sensitisation programme held on May 3.
In Ebonyi State, Mrs. Maudlin Nwifuru assured parents of the vaccine’s safety and urged them to bring their children to vaccination centres before the October 25 mass vaccination date.
The campaign aligns with the Renewed Hope Initiative of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, highlighting the administration’s commitment to investing in immunisation and public health.
Supporting voices within Ebonyi’s health sector further validated the advocacy’s impact.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, emphasised the value of early sensitisation, while WHO Surveillance Officer Dr. Elandi Dadi noted a sharp decline in measles cases due to intensified public health efforts.
According to WHO data, confirmed measles cases in Ebonyi State dropped from 49 in 2022 to just one case in 2024 — a testament to the efficacy of sustained immunisation campaigns.
Ebonyi State Immunisation Officer, Mr. Nwodom Christopher, announced that 352,000 children aged 9 to 15 months have been targeted for vaccination. Comprehensive sensitisation activities are already underway to ensure a smooth implementation in 2026.
The NGSF’s advocacy is not just about numbers—it’s about impact. By mobilising communities, securing government support, and using culturally tailored outreach strategies, the Forum has transformed the MR vaccine rollout into a nationwide movement.
The partnership between C-WINS and the NGSF is a significant stride toward building a resilient health system, empowering women leaders in public health, and ensuring that every Nigerian child can grow healthy and protected. With continued collaboration, dedication, and strategic action, Nigeria moves closer to achieving a future free from vaccine-preventable
