Nigerian Red Cross Mobilises 5,346 Volunteers to Support Lagos Measles–Rubella Vaccination Drive
Lagos, Nigeria — January 28, 2026 — In a powerful demonstration of community service and public health leadership, the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has deployed 5,346 trained volunteers across Lagos State to support the ongoing Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign aimed at protecting children from these preventable but potentially deadly diseases.
This large‑scale mobilisation, supported by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Red Cross, accompanies the state’s immunisation drive and targets every eligible child, ensuring that no eligible child is left behind. House‑to‑house Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) teams are engaging families, answering questions, and promoting vaccine confidence across Lagos’s 20 local government areas.
Empowering Communities With Trusted Voices
Volunteers were equipped with communication skills, ethical guidelines, and clear public health messages designed to build trust and counter misinformation about vaccines. Each volunteer is expected to reach at least 50 households daily, encouraging parents and caregivers to participate in the vaccination exercise.
According to NRCS officials, this community‑based intervention model not only strengthens vaccination uptake but also exemplifies the power of local partnerships between humanitarian organizations and public health authorities. The effort is seen as a model for how civil society can support government programmes to improve child health outcomes across Nigeria.
Why This Matters for Nigeria Forward
- Boosts childhood immunisation rates: The measles–rubella vaccine prevents life‑threatening infections and supports healthier communities.
- Strengthens community engagement: By using trusted local volunteers, the Red Cross helps build confidence in public health initiatives.
- Enhances public‑private collaboration: Partnerships with global health institutions and government enhance Nigeria’s disease‑prevention architecture.
This initiative highlights the Nigerian Red Cross Society’s vital role as a trusted humanitarian partner working toward better health outcomes and resilient communities — a foundation for long‑term national development.
