The Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board has begun an integrated measles and rubella vaccination campaign aimed at protecting over 4.2 million children across the state.
The exercise, which started on Saturday, covers all 23 local government areas and targets children aged between nine months and 14 years. It is supported by UNICEF, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and other development partners.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Hamza Ibrahim, Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, said the campaign will help reduce the number of “zero-dose” children — those who have never received any vaccination. Kaduna State, he noted, accounts for around 10 percent of the 100 local government areas in Nigeria facing this challenge, with over 4,000 unvaccinated children identified.
“Our progress has been made possible through the dedication of community women and the support of our partners,” Ibrahim said. “With UNICEF, WHO, CHAN, and CHI supporting the state, we are confident of reaching every eligible child.”
State Health Educator Yusha’u Isah added that the campaign also covers other vaccine-preventable diseases such as polio and diphtheria. He revealed that diphtheria transmission is ongoing in 19 local government areas, while all LGAs have reported measles cases this year.
To ensure full coverage, the state government has arranged access to hard-to-reach and security-challenged areas, including IDP camps, in collaboration with security agencies, traditional rulers, and local stakeholders.
Elizabeth Hassan, a representative of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), assured parents that the measles-rubella vaccine is safe, effective, and approved by both NAFDAC and the WHO. She added that the initiative supports Nigeria’s goal of eliminating measles and rubella by 2030.
Health officials are urging parents and guardians to bring their children to vaccination centres and temporary posts across the state. The vaccine is provided free of charge.
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