The Kaduna State Government has commenced the first phase of the 2026 Integrated Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) alongside a statewide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign aimed at improving the health of women, children, and adolescent girls.
The programme was officially launched at a Primary Health Care Centre in Ikara Local Government Area, where the Deputy Governor, Hadiza Sabuwa Balaraba, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to reducing preventable maternal and child mortality through expanded access to essential healthcare services.
Hadiza noted that although significant progress has been recorded in the health sector, many residents, particularly those in rural and underserved communities, continue to face challenges in accessing critical health interventions.
According to her, the health week provides an opportunity to bring vital medical services closer to communities while strengthening efforts to protect young girls against cervical cancer through HPV immunisation.
“The five-day exercise, scheduled to run from June 8th to June 12th, will be implemented across all 255 wards of the state through more than 1,000 public and private health facilities”, she said.
All services under the programme will be provided at no cost to beneficiaries.
Residents are expected to benefit from a range of healthcare services, including routine immunisation, HPV vaccination for nine-year-old girls, nutrition assessments, Vitamin A supplementation, deworming treatment, maternal health supplements, HIV testing, and treatment for common childhood illnesses.
The Deputy Governor called on traditional institutions, religious leaders, community groups, and other stakeholders to support awareness and mobilisation efforts to ensure maximum participation across the state.
She emphasised that many deaths among mothers and children can be prevented through timely healthcare interventions, proper nutrition, and routine immunisation urging parents and caregivers to take full advantage of the programme.
The state government also acknowledged the contributions of development partners and healthcare agencies whose support has continued to strengthen health services and improve outcomes for residents.
The campaign is expected to increase immunisation coverage, enhance child and maternal health indicators, improve nutrition, and reinforce efforts to reduce the burden of cervical cancer among women in Kaduna State.
 alongside a statewide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign aimed at improving the health of women, children, and adolescent girls.){kind=link}