***Commends First Lady, Health Ministry for Championing Child Health in Nigeria
The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop (Dr.) Daniel C. Okoh, has called on churches, parents, and communities nationwide to support the Federal Government’s ongoing measles-rubella vaccination campaign, describing it as a bold and transformative initiative to protect Nigeria’s children from preventable diseases.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony of the Nationwide Integrated Measles-Rubella Vaccine Campaign held on Monday, October 6, 2025, at the Aso Villa Conference Hall, Abuja, Archbishop Okoh applauded the government’s commitment to reducing child mortality and strengthening the public health system.
“This campaign, which integrates measles-rubella, polio, anti-malaria, and neglected tropical diseases interventions, demonstrates the seriousness and commitment of the Federal Government and its partners in safeguarding the health and future of our children and communities,” he stated.
Okoh noted that the introduction of the measles-rubella vaccine into Nigeria’s national immunization schedule is a major milestone in the country’s public health journey. He emphasized that the initiative reflects renewed dedication to ensuring no child is left vulnerable to preventable illnesses.
The CAN President recalled that earlier in the year, the association met with the C-WINS and Measles-Rubella Coalition, where CAN pledged its full support for the nationwide campaign. “We have fulfilled that promise by mobilizing all five blocs of CAN in readiness for the mass rollout of this vaccine,” he said.
He stressed that the wellbeing of citizens remains fundamental to Nigeria’s progress, saying:
“As faith leaders, we recognize that the health of our people is central to national development. A healthy population is the foundation for productivity, innovation, and peace.”
Okoh commended Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, for her leadership and advocacy in championing the vaccination campaign. He also lauded the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and development partners for their collaborative effort in making the campaign a reality.
He urged parents, caregivers, and church leaders across the country to ensure that every eligible child receives the vaccine, stressing that mass participation is key to the success of the initiative.
“We call on all parents, caregivers, and communities across Nigeria to take full advantage of this opportunity by ensuring that every child is vaccinated and protected. We also encourage our churches nationwide to actively support awareness and mobilization efforts,” Okoh said.
The CAN leader concluded with a prayer for national unity and progress, expressing hope that the campaign would contribute to building “a healthier, stronger, and more prosperous Nigeria.”
The Nationwide Integrated Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and aims to protect millions of Nigerian children from life-threatening but preventable diseases, strengthening the country’s drive toward universal health coverage.
