Kano State Government has disclose that it will launch an integrated vaccination campaign targeting more than 7.8 million children aged 9 months to 14 years against measles, rubella, and polio in October.
The state government made announcement during a media on sensitization programmed organized by the Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board (SPHCMB) in partnership with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) and global polio eradication partners.
The Director General of SPHCMB, Professor Salisu Ibrahim, speaking at the event, described the upcoming exercise as the largest vaccination campaign in West Africa, reaching millions of children across Nigeria.
Ibrahim, who was represented at the programe by the Director of Immunization and Disease Control, Dr Ahmad Tijjani, explained that the campaign will combine several health interventions, including Routine Immunization for children aged 0–23 months, and polio vaccination for more than 3 million children under five.
According to Dr Tijjani, the media engagement was designed to deepen awareness of the importance and scale of the campaign.
“Despite ongoing routine immunization, measles and rubella continue to pose risks to children, hence the need for a more comprehensive approach,” he noted.
Also speaking, the NPHCDA State Coordinator, Maryam Umar, emphasized that collective responsibility is key to ensuring all eligible children receive the vaccines.
She called on parents and caregivers to support the campaign by bringing their children for immunization, while urging the media to help dispel myths and misinformation.
The Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Kano, Rahma Rihood Mohammed Farah, highlighted extensive visibility and publicity support provided by partners.
He added that 3,300 health workers have been trained on improved interpersonal communication skills, alongside 870 members of Non-Compliance Resolution Teams (NCRTs) to address vaccine hesitancy.
The integrated campaign is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Health, NPHCDA, Kano State Government, UNICEF, WHO, Gavi, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Civil Society Organizations.
The session, which drew participants from broadcast, print, and online media, urged journalists to step up efforts in spreading accurate information and mobilizing communities ahead of the exercise.
Livestock remains a vital sector of Kebbi’s economy, providing food, jobs, and income for thousands of households.
Governor Nasir Idris stressed this during the statewide livestock vaccination flag-off at Hutawa, Birnin Kebbi.
The Governor, represented by the Head of Service, Malami Muhammad Shekare, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting pastoralists and livestock farmers., stressing that animal health remains crucial to safeguarding Kebbi’s rural economy.
Governor Idris described livestock production as a gold mine, pledging to harness its potential through improved veterinary health services, strengthened security for farmers and herders, and investments in modern animal care infrastructure.
He outlined key projects including completion of an ultra-modern Veterinary Hospital in Birnin Kebbi, construction of zonal clinics, and partnerships with international organizations to boost livestock technology transfer and beef production.
Commissioner for Livestock and Fisheries, Alhaji Kabiru Usman Alaramma, said the campaign would curb heavy financial losses from disease outbreaks. Fulani leaders present pledged support, after witnessing vaccination of cows at the event.
