The Niger State Government, North Central Nigeria, has officially launched the Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign to protect children aged 9 months to 14 years across all 25 local government areas of the state.
The flag-off ceremony, held in Bida local Government, was performed by the wife of the Niger State Governor, Hajiya Fatima Umar Bago, describing Measles and Rubella ‘as serious threats to children’s health.’
She urged mothers to take their children to the nearest vaccination centres and ensure no child is left behind.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, commended the initiative, describing it as a major step forward in improving child health.
He encouraged parents to participate fully, assuring them that the vaccine is safe and essential for children’s development.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Secondary and Tertiary Health, Dr Abdullahi Usman Imam, said “the campaign aims to vaccinate all eligible children across the 274 wards in the state.”
He said that other vaccines, such as Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), malaria, and HPV vaccines, would also be given during the exercise.
Dr Imam further noted that “the state government has provided the necessary logistics and manpower to ensure the campaign’s success.”
In her message, the Chief of UNICEF Kaduna Field Office, Dr Gerida Birukila, represented by Health Specialist Dr Ahmed Tsofo, reaffirmed UNICEF’s support in eliminating Measles and Rubella in Niger State.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), AFENET, GAVI, and other partners also pledged their continued collaboration.
The event featured the symbolic administration of vaccines to children by the Governor’s wife and the Etsu Nupe, marking the official commencement of the campaign.