The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, UNICEF, has stated that Rubella Measles is a significant cause of birth defects in newborns.
UNICEF revealed that without early detection and treatment, the illness may lead to lasting hearing loss, congenital abnormalities, cataracts, and vision loss, along with other complications.
UNICEF announced this on Tuesday at a training session for media professionals, health educators, and medical staff focused on promoting the Measles Rubella vaccine, set to begin in October 2025.
The UNICEF Niger State Lead, Grace Odeyemi, highlighted in her research on Behavioral Change that there was a need to boost the campaign for Rubella Measles, especially among expectant mothers. She mentioned that while the initiative has been active worldwide for many years, this marks the first time the Rubella Measles vaccine is being introduced in the nation.
Rubella, also known as measles, is extremely dangerous. It can lead to birth defects in newborns or may manifest later as the child grows older. Mothers are already familiar with measles and vaccinate their children from birth up to 14 months, but the Rubella vaccine is administered between the ages of nine months and 14 years.
“We are starting in October, and we aim to reach all pregnant women and their newborns. We want to prevent defects that may result from the Rubella Measles disease. The media will assist us in raising awareness among the women and ensuring their involvement in this campaign,” she stated.
UNICEF is working with the Niger State Government to encourage the Rubella vaccine within the state via the Ministry of Primary Health Care, which has expressed its willingness to make sure that Rubella Measles is eliminated in the region.
The Head of Primary Healthcare, Dr. Ibrahim Dangana, who was present at the event through the ministry’s State Immunisation Officer, Abubakar Kpantu, stated that the purpose of the training was to facilitate the execution of the Rubella initiative aimed at vaccinating children aged nine months to 14 years.
We aim to reach every household as soon as the vaccination campaign starts in October. Nigeria plays a significant role in the global burden of Measles and Rubella, accounting for 37%, while Polio in Africa makes up 54%, making it the second highest after the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The initiative is being carried out to address immunity shortfalls; stop the spread of Polio, Measles, and Rubella; and to enhance regular vaccination programs.
“Rubella is not well-documented in Nigeria because of insufficient monitoring. The 2024 Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) continued to be a major global public health issue, with approximately 100,000 infants born with CRS annually,” Dangana stated.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
