Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated her dedication to improving vaccine access to protect millions of children and women from preventable diseases across the country.
Her message was delivered during the official launch of the Measles, Rubella, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Sensitisation Campaign in Port Harcourt. The event, part of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), was held in partnership with the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, the Community Women Initiative for National Development (C-WINS), and international health partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Gavi, and the Vaccine Alliance.
Represented by Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, the wife of the Rivers State Governor, Senator Tinubu explained that the initiative aims to protect children aged nine months to 14 years from life-threatening but preventable illnesses. The campaign will cover all 23 local government areas in Rivers State and is scheduled to begin in February 2026.
She noted that Rivers is among the Fourth Stream of Phase One states participating in what is expected to be the largest health campaign in Africa, targeting over 106 million Nigerian children for immunisation against Measles, Rubella, Polio, and HPV.
Senator Tinubu described Measles and Rubella as highly infectious and dangerous, especially for children. She also highlighted the severe risks Rubella poses to unborn babies when contracted by pregnant women. Emphasising the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines, she urged parents and caregivers to support health workers during the rollout.
“With strong technical and financial backing, this partnership will deploy trained personnel across all communities to reach every eligible child by February 2026,” she said.
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, also addressed the event, applauding the Renewed Hope Initiative’s role in enhancing public health awareness. She particularly emphasised the importance of HPV vaccination, describing it as a crucial step in safeguarding the long-term health and empowerment of girls.
Professor Giwa Abdulganiyu, WHO’s State Coordinator for Rivers, praised the collaborative effort between RHI and the state government. He expressed WHO’s ongoing commitment to ensuring equitable healthcare access and achieving universal health coverage.
In her remarks, RHI Rivers Coordinator Mrs. Tonye Briggs-Oniyide stressed the urgency of reducing measles and rubella cases, noting that these diseases can cause significant hardship for families. She said the campaign’s launch reflects a shared resolve to raise awareness and prevent avoidable suffering.