WHO Lauds Enugu State’s Successful Measles-Rubella Campaign, Reaching Over 2.1 Million Children

The World Health Organisation has praised the successful completion of Stream 2 of Enugu State’s Measles–Rubella Integrated Campaign, which succeeded in vaccinating more than 2.1 million children against measles, rubella, and cervical cancer.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the WHO underscored the importance of such initiatives in safeguarding children’s health, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.

“Every child deserves protection from measles and rubella. Yet too many are still being missed particularly in underserved communities,” the global health body noted.

The agency revealed that Enugu State’s successful conclusion of the campaign was achieved through close collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the National Youth Service Corps, and other key partners.

To ensure comprehensive coverage, the WHO stated that it trained and deployed over 60 independent monitors across all 17 local government areas in the state.

These monitors play a critical role: identifying missed children, strengthening real-time data quality, flagging risks early, and supporting equitable access to vaccines. Their work helps ensure no child is left behind,” the organisation explained.

One of the monitors, an NYSC corps member, Ms Faith O., shared her firsthand experience, saying, “I now understand how vital vaccines are. Today, I helped ensure no child in my community was missed.”

The WHO also acknowledged the support of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, noting that the partnership has been instrumental in strengthening monitoring systems and expanding access to essential vaccines.

The agency emphasized that campaigns of this nature are crucial for preventing measles and rubella outbreaks, especially in underserved communities where access to healthcare services remains a challenge.