Abubakar Siddiq Ibn Usman
Kano State is set to roll out one of West Africa’s largest immunization campaigns in October, with over 7.8 million children between 9 months and 14 years expected to receive protection against measles, rubella, and polio.
The initiative, jointly coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Kano State Government, UNICEF, WHO, Gavi, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and civil society partners, aims to strengthen child health outcomes and tackle lingering vaccine-preventable diseases.
At a media dialogue in Kano, the Director-General of the State Primary Healthcare Management Board (SPHCMB), Prof. Salisu Ibrahim, represented by Dr. Ahmad Tijjani, said the campaign will also cover routine immunization for children aged 0–23 months and polio vaccination for over 3 million children under five. He noted that integrating these efforts would enhance overall health outcomes for children in the state.
Tijjani explained that despite ongoing routine immunization efforts, measles and rubella remain major public health threats, which necessitates a more comprehensive approach.
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UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kano, Rahma Rihood Mohammed Farah, highlighted the support of development partners for the campaign, noting that 3,300 health workers have been trained to engage families directly, while 870 members of Non-Compliance Resolution Teams will be deployed to tackle vaccine hesitancy.
NPHCDA State Coordinator, Maryam Umar, stressed the importance of collective responsibility in achieving full coverage, while urging parents and caregivers to ensure their children are presented for vaccination.
Officials stressed the role of media and community leaders in dispelling myths, boosting turnout, and ensuring full coverage.
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