Measles-Rubella Preventable but Fatal, ASPHCDA Chair
• As agency launches integrated vaccination from Oct 18–28 2025
Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) has finished finishing touches to ensure the success of integrated Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign across the state, the chairman of the agency Dr. Sulaiman S. Bashir disclosed during a media dialogue with journalists, social media influencers and other critical stakeholders.
Related news
Medical apathy worsens Buruli ulcer outbreak in Adamawa – ASPHCDA chair
Measles-Rubella vaccine more efficacious, efficient – ASPHCDA chairman
Adamawa kicks off fresh wild polio vaccination from 11 – 14 Nov 2023
The chairman who noted that the exercise will commence from October 18 – 28 said the agency has meticulously prepared to ensure optimal success of the campaign across the 21 LGAs of the state.
He noted that although Measles-Rubella is preventable, it is dangerous to children hence the need to ensure complete and total coverage.
He noted that the statewide campaign, which will be carried out in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other development partners, aims to deliver life-saving vaccines to millions of children and adolescents across the 21 local government areas of Adamawa State.
The ASPHCDA boss noted that the integrated campaign will cover Routine Immunization, Measles-Rubella, Polio vaccines and HPV, a move designed to ensure effective and all encompassing campaign against major childhood diseases.
“The consequences of measles can be irreversible it can lead to blindness, brain damage, or even death. The integrated approach allows us to tackle both measles and rubella at once, ensuring broader protection for children and preventing needless suffering,” he said.
He further explained that rubella, though often mild, poses severe risks to unborn babies when contracted by pregnant women, leading to congenital defects. Hence, the campaign targets children up to 14 years to ensure community-wide immunity.
Dr. Bashir also highlighted the inclusion of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in the exercise, saying it reflects the state’s growing commitment to cancer prevention, especially among adolescent girls.
“Once a girl receives the HPV vaccine at around nine years of age, she grows into adulthood with strong protection against cervical cancer,” he said.
The ADSPHCDA boss called on the media, community leaders, and social media influencers to use their platforms to educate families and dispel misinformation about vaccines.
“Misinformation remains one of the biggest threats to public health. Journalists must help us share accurate information so that parents can make informed decisions that protect their children,” he urged.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of Disease Control and Immunization at ADSPHCDA, Dr. James Vasumu, warned against the dangers of false narratives circulating on social media about vaccines.
He appealed to journalists to “set the record straight” by promoting scientific facts and public health messages.
“We cannot allow fake news to endanger lives. Every vaccination saves a child from potential lifelong disability or death. The media’s voice is powerful let’s use it to save lives,” he said.
On his part, Mr. George Ekiti, UNICEF’s Social and Behavioral Change Specialist, commended the media for its role in the successful eradication of wild polio in Nigeria and called for continued collaboration to sustain the gains.
“Vaccination benefits everyone children, families, and entire communities. The media must continue to drive positive behavioral change through factual reporting, community mobilization, and engagement with traditional and religious leaders,” he said.
He emphasized that UNICEF will continue to partner with the Adamawa State government to ensure that no child is left behind, particularly in hard-to-reach areas affected by insecurity and limited access to healthcare.
The interactive session during the dialogue allowed journalists, influencers, and civil society representatives to share insights on tackling vaccine hesitancy and increasing community participation.
