Outbreak Sparks Urgency: Measles Hits Nasarawa Just Before Major Vaccine Rollout
A sudden outbreak of measles has hit the Rukubi community in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, just months ahead of the state’s planned rollout of a major measles-rubella vaccination campaign scheduled for October.
This concerning development has prompted swift action from the Nasarawa State Government, which is intensifying efforts to protect children—especially those between 0 and 15 months—from the dangers of measles and rubella.
At a high-level stakeholders meeting in Lafia on Tuesday, Governor Abdullahi Sule, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, described measles and rubella as highly contagious and potentially fatal if left untreated. He emphasized that these diseases can cause lifelong complications, including blindness.
“In my experience as a medical doctor, I’ve seen many children lose their sight due to rubella infections. These diseases are real and devastating,” Akabe stated. “This is why the federal government’s decision to introduce the measles-rubella vaccine is not only timely but a vital step in safeguarding our children’s health.”
The meeting brought together all 13 local government chairmen, their spouses, top health officials, and community leaders in a show of unity toward eradicating preventable childhood illnesses.
Dr. Gaza Gwamna, Nasarawa State Commissioner of Health, confirmed the measles outbreak and revealed that medical teams have already been dispatched to affected communities to contain the spread.
“The vaccine rollout will begin in October,” Gwamna said. “But we know that to be successful, especially in areas with deep cultural and religious traditions, we must first win hearts and build trust.”
Supporting this effort, Dr. Usman Iskilu, Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Primary HealthCare Development Agency, praised the governor for backing the campaign. He highlighted the devastating long-term effects of measles and rubella, such as deafness, blindness, heart issues, and brain damage, and stressed the urgency of vaccine acceptance.
“Our goal is to ensure strong support from both government leaders and the grassroots,” Iskilu noted. “This vaccine is more than a shot—it’s a shield for our future.”
As the October launch nears, the state’s health authorities are rallying every sector to join forces in educating communities and ensuring that no child is left behind in the fight against these deadly but preventable diseases.
