By Measles Threat in Nigeria
CDC urges stronger vaccination efforts
Summary
- CDC highlights Nigeria as one of the top 10 countries with the highest burden of unvaccinated children amid global measles surge
- Low vaccination rates, especially in northern Nigeria, blamed for frequent outbreaks and high child mortality
- U.S. health agency calls for urgent action to boost immunization coverage and address vaccine hesitancy
Washington D.C. — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a public health warning on the escalating measles threat in Nigeria, urging the Nigerian government to ramp up routine immunization efforts to curb the spread of the disease.
The warning, widely reported in Nigeria on June 24, 2025, comes amid growing concern over Nigeria’s low measles vaccination coverage and rising child mortality due to preventable infections.
Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, continues to pose a major health risk in Nigeria, which remains one of the countries with the highest number of unvaccinated children.
In 2023, global measles cases reached 10.3 million, with Nigeria ranked among the top 10 countries bearing the heaviest burden.
Vaccination rates in some parts of the country remain below 50%, far below the 95% coverage recommended by the CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) to achieve herd immunity.
The CDC’s advisory highlights several factors contributing to the crisis, including widespread vaccine hesitancy, weak healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic challenges.
Northern Nigeria is particularly affected, with recurrent measles outbreaks often peaking during the dry season from February to April. Poor access to healthcare facilities and seasonal transmission patterns exacerbate the situation in the region. To reverse the trend, the CDC is calling for immediate and sustained action.
Recommended measures include strengthening routine immunization programs, improving public awareness campaigns, expanding access to vaccines and medical supplies, and building public trust through culturally sensitive engagement. Long-term strategies focus on enhancing surveillance systems and reinforcing Nigeria’s overall healthcare infrastructure.
The warning aligns with a broader global trend. According to the WHO, measles cases increased by 18% and deaths by 43% from 2021 to 2022, driven by disruptions in vaccination programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Experts warn that without urgent efforts to scale up immunization, Nigeria risks further public health emergencies from preventable diseases like measles.
The CDC reaffirmed that vaccination remains the most effective means of preventing measles and safeguarding children’s health, but emphasized that success in Nigeria hinges on coordinated government action, community engagement, and sustained investment in healthcare delivery.
