On a vibrant morning at the Old Market Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Lokoja, Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, officially flagged off the 2025 Integrated Measles-Rubella, Polio, and HPV Vaccination Campaign, a landmark public health initiative designed to shield children and adolescents across the state from vaccine-preventable diseases. This ambitious campaign, running from October 6 to October 15, 2025, represents a critical step in the state’s ongoing efforts to eliminate diseases like measles, rubella, polio, and cervical cancer, while reinforcing the foundation of primary healthcare in Kogi State. With a target of reaching 1.9 million children aged 9 months to 14 years, the campaign underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring a healthier and more prosperous future for the state’s younger generation.
Governor Ododo, addressing a diverse gathering of healthcare workers, community leaders, development partners, and residents, described the vaccination campaign as a testament to his administration’s dedication to safeguarding lives. “This campaign is not just about vaccines; it is a commitment to life, health, and the future of Kogi State,” he declared. The Governor emphasized that the vaccines—covering measles, rubella, polio, and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)—are free, safe, and highly effective, urging parents and caregivers to ensure that no eligible child is left unvaccinated. The inclusion of the HPV vaccine, which protects young girls against cervical cancer, marks a significant advancement in addressing long-term public health challenges, particularly for women’s health.
The ceremony highlighted the state’s holistic approach to improving healthcare delivery, with a focus on revitalizing primary healthcare systems to make them more accessible and efficient. Governor Ododo reiterated his administration’s vision of building a healthy and productive Kogi, where every child has the opportunity to grow up free from the threat of preventable diseases. He called on traditional and religious leaders, as well as community influencers, to champion the campaign by raising awareness and encouraging participation. “Let us work together to ensure that no child in Kogi is left behind in our journey to a healthier life,” he urged, acknowledging the critical role of community engagement in the success of such initiatives.
The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, echoed the Governor’s sentiments, praising his leadership in prioritizing healthcare as a cornerstone of development. Dr. Adeiza noted the growing community support for the revitalization of Primary Health Centres across the state, which has been a key factor in improving healthcare access. He expressed gratitude to religious, traditional, and community leaders for their tireless efforts in promoting public health awareness and fostering trust in vaccination programs. “Their contributions have been invaluable in ensuring that our health interventions reach every corner of Kogi State,” he said.
Dr. Mu’azu Musa Omeiza, the Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, provided further details on the scope and significance of the campaign. He explained that the initiative targets 1.9 million children aged 9 months to 14 years for measles and rubella vaccinations, while also providing coverage for polio and HPV. “This is a coordinated, cost-effective, and evidence-based approach to protecting the future generation of Kogi State,” Dr. Omeiza stated. He highlighted the rigorous planning and collaboration that went into the campaign, ensuring that vaccines are accessible even in the most remote areas of the state. Dr. Omeiza also commended the dedication of healthcare workers, who have been instrumental in the campaign’s implementation, and called on households and the media to play their part in ensuring that every eligible child is vaccinated.
The event also featured a goodwill message from Alh. Abdulrazaq Babatunde Ishola of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), who lauded Kogi State for its remarkable achievement of 100% immunization coverage in previous campaigns. He commended Governor Ododo’s unwavering commitment to public health and urged the state to consider recruiting additional frontline and auxiliary health workers to further strengthen its healthcare system. “Kogi’s success in immunization is a model for other states to follow,” he said, emphasizing the importance of sustaining and building on these gains.
The 2025 Integrated Vaccination Campaign reflects a broader strategy by the Kogi State government to address preventable diseases through a combination of immunization, community engagement, and infrastructure development. By focusing on diseases like measles, rubella, and polio, which have historically posed significant threats to children’s health, the campaign aims to reduce morbidity and mortality rates among the state’s most vulnerable populations. The inclusion of the HPV vaccine is particularly noteworthy, as it represents a proactive step toward preventing cervical cancer, a major health concern for women in Nigeria and beyond.
The campaign’s success hinges on the collective efforts of various stakeholders, including development partners, healthcare workers, and community leaders. Governor Ododo expressed deep appreciation for the support of organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and other partners who have provided technical and logistical assistance to make the campaign possible. He also acknowledged the tireless work of healthcare workers, who often operate in challenging conditions to deliver life-saving interventions to communities across the state.
In addition to its immediate goal of vaccinating 1.9 million children, the campaign serves as a platform to strengthen public trust in the healthcare system. By ensuring that vaccines are free and accessible, the state government is addressing barriers such as cost and misinformation, which have historically hindered vaccination efforts in some regions. The involvement of traditional and religious leaders is a strategic move to counter vaccine hesitancy, as these figures hold significant influence in their communities and can help dispel myths about immunization.
The flag-off ceremony at Old Market PHC was more than a symbolic event; it was a call to action for all residents of Kogi State to prioritize the health of their children and communities. The state government’s comprehensive approach to healthcare, as demonstrated by this campaign, includes not only vaccination but also the ongoing revitalization of Primary Health Centres, training of healthcare workers, and investment in health infrastructure. These efforts are designed to create a sustainable healthcare system that can respond to both current and future public health challenges.
As the campaign progresses from October 6 to October 15, 2025, the Kogi State government remains committed to monitoring its implementation to ensure that every eligible child is reached. The state’s health authorities have put in place robust mechanisms to track progress, address logistical challenges, and engage communities throughout the process. By leveraging the expertise of healthcare professionals and the goodwill of community leaders, Kogi State is poised to achieve its goal of protecting its children and adolescents from vaccine-preventable diseases.
In conclusion, the 2025 Integrated Measles-Rubella, Polio, and HPV Vaccination Campaign is a testament to Kogi State’s proactive approach to public health. Under Governor Ododo’s leadership, the state is not only addressing immediate health threats but also laying the groundwork for a healthier and more resilient future. By prioritizing immunization, community engagement, and healthcare infrastructure, Kogi is setting a standard for other states to emulate. As the campaign unfolds, it carries the promise of a brighter, healthier tomorrow for the children and adolescents of Kogi State, ensuring that they can grow up free from the burden of preventable diseases.
