From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
The Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board has launched an integrated vaccination campaign targeting over 4.2 million children across the state’s 23 local government areas.
The initiative is supported by UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other development partners, to immunize children aged nine months to 14 years against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Dr. Hamza Ibrahim, the Director of Disease Control and Immunization, emphasized the importance of this campaign in reducing the number of “zero-dose” children in the state. Kaduna accounts for about 10% of the 100 local government areas nationwide facing the zero-dose challenge, with over 4,000 unvaccinated children identified in the state. Dr. Ibrahim expressed optimism that, with the support of development partners, the state can reach every eligible child.
Yusha’u Isah, the State Health Educator, explained that the integrated campaign will address several vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles, rubella, polio, and diphtheria. The goal is to stop the transmission of these diseases and boost children’s immunity. Isah noted that arrangements have been made to reach children in hard-to-access areas and those in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has assured the public that the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine is safe, effective, and approved by both NAFDAC and the World Health Organization. The campaign aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to eliminating measles and rubella by 2030. Health authorities have urged parents and guardians to ensure that all eligible children are taken for vaccination at health facilities and temporary posts throughout the state, emphasizing that the vaccine is free of charge.
This campaign is the result of collaboration between the Kaduna State government, development partners, and security agencies. Traditional leaders and community stakeholders have also pledged their support to ensure its success.
With the campaign underway, the state is expected to make significant progress in reducing the prevalence of vaccine-preventable diseases and improving child health outcomes.
