Nigeria is rolling out one of the largest integrated vaccination campaigns in its history, aiming to protect around 106 million children against measles, rubella, and poliomyelitis, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says.

According to WHO, in a statement on Monday,  the nationwide initiative will combine multiple vaccines and child health services in a single drive, ensuring efficient delivery to children across the country.

The campaign targets children 0–14 years for measles and rubella and 0–59 months for polio.

It will be implemented in two phases: phase one, launching today, covers 20 high-risk northern states and Oyo state in the southwest; phase 2 begins in January 2026 and will be expanded to the remaining southern states.

To reach every community, health workers will deliver services through fixed posts, temporary outreach points, and house-to-house “sweep teams,” ensuring that even children in the most remote and underserved areas are reached.

In addition to measles-rubella and polio vaccines, the campaign integrates routine immunisation and other essential child health services, including treatment for neglected tropical diseases and seasonal malaria chemoprevention in high-risk areas.

This holistic approach supports Nigeria’s “Primary Health Care Under One Roof” strategy and advances the Health Campaign Effectiveness agenda towards universal health coverage.

The initiative responds to persistent outbreaks of circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) as well as measles and rubella outbreaks in Nigeria and across the Lake Chad Basin.

Nigeria is coordinating with Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad and Niger through a cross-border action plan to stop active outbreaks by the end of 2025 and eliminate remaining risks by the end of 2026.

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“On behalf of the Government, I want to express our deep respect and gratitude to Nigeria’s frontline health workers for their unwavering dedication.

“I urge you to approach this campaign with the same resilience and commitment you have shown over the years.

“As a parent myself, I know that no parent would ever refuse something that protects their child. Vaccines are safe, and they save lives,” Minister of Health and Social Welfare of Nigeria, Dr Ali Pate, said.

“This campaign builds on the success of two recent “In-between Round Activities” in 11 northern states (August–September 2025), which reached over 3.1 million children with vaccines, provided nutrition supplements to 500,000 malnourished children, and delivered anti-malaria interventions to 150,000 children.

“Nigeria’s integrated approach sets a strong example for the Region.

“By uniting efforts against measles, rubella and polio, and by working hand-in-hand with communities and partners, we are moving closer to the day when no African child suffers or dies from these preventable diseases,” Dr Mohammed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

In preparation for this nationwide rollout, Nigeria has also strengthened systems to ensure smooth implementation.

Trainers have been mobilised across states, payment processes for frontline workers have been redesigned for greater efficiency, and campaign systems have been upgraded to integrate data more effectively and safeguard integrity.

These investments will ensure that every health worker is supported and every child vaccinated is recorded accurately, bolstering accountability and trust in the programme.

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Nigeria is also introducing a new combined measles-rubella vaccine to replace the measles-only vaccine.

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease, particularly for malnourished children, while rubella can cause severe birth defects (Congenital Rubella Syndrome) if contracted during pregnancy.

The campaign is led by the government with support from the WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Rotary International, the Gates Foundation, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, civil society organisations, and traditional and religious leaders.

Robust coordination mechanisms are in place for financing, social mobilisation, training, vaccines and logistics to ensure success

 Israel has informed U.S. President Donald Trump that it will refrain from further attacks on Iran in a conversation between Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday

Netanyahu’s office said.

Trump had stressed his confidence in the stability of the ceasefire he had announced earlier, the report said.

Trump announced the ceasefire late Monday, and it was confirmed by Israel and Iran on Tuesday.

But both sides accused the other of violations, and Trump also stated that both had broken the ceasefire agreement.

Netanyahu’s office reported those, four hours before the ceasefire was to go into effect, Israeli forces had killed hundreds of Iranian security personnel and members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Iran had in turn launched a barrage of missiles shortly before the ceasefire deadline, a single missile six minutes after the ceasefire had gone into effect and a further two missiles around three and a half hours later, it said.

“These missiles were either intercepted or fell in open areas, and caused neither casualties nor damage,” Netanyahu’s office said.

“In response to Iran’s violations, the Air Force destroyed a radar installation near Tehran,” it added.

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In the conversation with Netanyahu, Trump had expressed his great appreciation for Israel, which achieved all of its objectives for the war, as well as his confidence in the stability of the ceasefire, Netanyahu’s office said. 

…As NGO backs NDLEA, urges investment in drug prevention

An NGO, Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA),  has stressed the critical role of community-led initiatives in curbing the rising menace of drug abuse and trafficking among young people.

The Executive Director and Founder of VGADA, Dr Hope Omeiza, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Omeiza maintained that communities remained the most powerful force in combating drug abuse.

He emphasised that long-term success in prevention could only be achieved when community structures like families, schools, faith groups, and traditional institutions were actively involved.

The international observance, held annually on June 26, is themed “Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention” this year.

“This reflects a growing global consensus that prevention, rather than punishment, is the most effective, sustainable approach to addressing substance abuse, particularly among youth.

“Prevention is not a one-time event. It is a continuous, community-driven process that requires trust, access, and sustained engagement.

“That is why VGADA works closely with local leaders, teachers, and parents in addressing the drug crisis from the ground up,” he said.

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Omeiza explained that VGADA’s community-based approach had included training peer educators, establishing school drug-free clubs, organising town hall meetings, and providing mental health support for at-risk youth.

He noted that while law enforcement remained essential, the demand side of the drug problem required just as much attention.

“Over the past year, the organisation has reached thousands of young Nigerians through these initiatives.

“We can’t keep waiting until young people become addicted. By then, we’re already playing catch-up. The solution lies in early education, mental health support, and community vigilance,” he said.

The NGO boss commended NDLEA’s inclusive approach to the World Drug Day activities, noting that Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) bring the voices and experiences of everyday Nigerians into the national conversation.

He called on stakeholders, including local government councils, health institutions, security agencies, and the media, to decentralise prevention efforts and support ongoing advocacy at the community level.

He also urged corporate organisations and development partners to invest in prevention projects that have direct reach and measurable impact, especially in underserved areas.

“The fight against drug abuse must be localised. When communities take ownership of prevention, the outcomes are more sustainable and culturally relevant.

“VGADA also urges governments at all levels to increase funding for drug prevention programmes and to integrate drug education into formal and informal learning systems.

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“We also call on parents, teachers, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and the private sector to work together in protecting young people from the lure of drugs.

“Drug abuse does not discriminate. It affects all segments of society, the rich and poor, educated and uneducated, urban and rural. Our response must be just as widespread and inclusive,” Omeiza maintained.

The Newsmen reports that as part of the observance, VGADA will be engaging in sensitisation rallies, media appearances, and interactive sessions with young people across Abuja, Lagos, and selected states in Northern Nigeria.

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was established by the United Nations in 1987 to promote global awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse.

Also marked to strengthen international cooperation in achieving a drug-free world.

In another development, the Anti-Kidnapping, Human Trafficking, Child Abuse and Drug Abuse Initiative (AKH-TRACADA), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has called for increased investment in drug abuse prevention efforts across the country.

The Founder and Executive Director of the NGO, Primate Belonwu Ezeanyaeche, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The Press reports that the NDLEA had earlier commenced the week-long observance with a press conference on Wednesday, June 18, in collaboration with UNODC, and set Monday, June 23, as NGOs Day.

The theme for the 2025 World Drug Day is tagged Evidence is Clear; Invest in Prevention.

Ezeanyaeche, who said that the organisation threw its weight behind NDLEA, commended them for dedicating a day during the anti-drug awareness week to spotlight the work of NGOs.

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He, however, believed that the move would further strengthen the synergy between government agencies and grassroots advocates.

He emphasised that only a proactive and community-driven approach could address the root causes of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, especially among young people.

He urged governments at all levels, stakeholders, and the private sector to prioritise prevention strategies as a sustainable approach to ending the drug crisis.

“Drug abuse continues to destroy the future of our youth and weaken the fabric of our society.

“The evidence is clear; investing in prevention reduces crime, saves lives, and strengthens families.

“Our communities must no longer treat drug use as a hidden issue but one that demands bold, early, and sustained intervention.

“We believe prevention is not only possible but also the most effective and cost-efficient solution. Our experience working in vulnerable communities has shown that prevention works.

“We have seen youths turn away from drugs after being educated, supported, and empowered with alternative pathways.

“The time has come to shift more resources and attention towards prevention, not just enforcement and rehabilitation,” he said.

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Ezeanyaeche outlined the organisation’s contributions, which included community-based sensitisation campaigns, youth mentorship programmes.

This, he added to include school outreach and provision of psychosocial support for drug-dependent individuals, among others.

“We have our ongoing work in schools, rural communities, and among at-risk youth, where we offer counselling, sensitisation, and empowerment programmes.

“We also provide referrals for rehabilitation and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to curb drug demand at the grassroots,” he added.

Ezeanyaeche, however, reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the NDLEA and other relevant agencies to combat drug abuse and related crimes.

He called for the integration of drug education into school curricula, stronger parental involvement, and the establishment of community-based prevention programmes nationwide.

“While enforcement remains vital, it cannot work in isolation. The future lies in prevention. Nigeria must invest in protecting its most valuable resource, which is its young people, “he said.

It was reported that the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed globally on June 26, is an annual reminder of the urgent need for united action against drug abuse, especially among youth. 

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