The Zamfara State Government has officially launched a Measles and Rubella vaccination campaign aimed at protecting children aged 9 months to 15 years from illnesses and deaths caused by Vaccine-preventable childhood diseases.
The State Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal flagged off the Vaccination campaign during the World Immunization Week organized by the Office of the First Lady Zamfara State, held in Gusau, the state capital.
Speaking at the launching, Governor Lawal emphasized that, the campaign aligns with his administration’s strategic efforts under the state of emergency declared in the health sector.
He stressed the importance of immunization in safeguarding the lives of children and promoting a healthy society.
“Measles and rubella are highly contagious diseases that can lead to deafness, blindness, heart defects, brain damage, and even death. Thankfully, the Measles-Rubella vaccine provides safe and effective protection,”
The Governor called on parents, caregivers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, health workers, and community influencers to support the campaign to ensure full and widespread coverage across Zamfara.
He noted that while the campaign has been flagged off, full implementation is scheduled for October 2025.
In her remarks, the Wife of the Governor, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, appealed to all stakeholders to embrace the campaign and help spread awareness to every corner of the state.
She reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the Governor’s goal of achieving 95% immunization coverage for children.
Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal clarified that, Measles and Rubella vaccine are safe and essential because It protects children from serious diseases that have claimed too many lives.
According to her, the vaccine is delivered through a simple injection and it has been proven to save lives.
Hajiya Huriyya expressed appreciation to the Centre for Well-being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (C-WINS), under the leadership of Dr. Kabir Mustapha, as well as the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) at both state and national levels, for their support in making the initiative possible.
The Wife of the Governor also warned against misinformation and fear-mongering that could prevent children from receiving the life-saving vaccine.
She thanked her husband for his leadership and dedication to improving healthcare in Zamfara.
The Coordinator for the Northwest, Centre for Well-being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (C-WINS), Dr Kabir Mustapha highlighted the collective commitment of all stakeholders to the health of Zamfara’s youngest citizens.
He noted that, Measles vaccine has been a cornerstone of National Routine Immunization program for several years and it is imperative to expand the program to include the Rubella vaccine, thereby creating a robust defense against two significant health threats to children.
“This dual approach strengthens our defense against two major health threats. Rubella, though often underestimated, poses serious risks, especially to pregnant women. Infections can lead to congenital defects such as heart issues, blindness, deafness, and spinal abnormalities in newborns,”
Dr Kabir Mustapha reiterated that the campaign’s goal is to vaccinate every child aged 9 months to 15 years and reach at least 95% coverage during the October rollout.
He argued that, the initiative was more than a health program but a life-saving mission.
He however urge all community members to support the campaign by ensuring that children are protected from preventable diseases.
Dr. Mustapha also emphasized that the Meseales and Rubella vaccine will be integrated into the national routine immunization schedule, to be administered at 9 months and 15 years of age, helping to drastically reduce illness and death from preventable childhood diseases.
Others participants at the campaign including Medical Doctors emphasized the need for total support to achieve the desire objective from all stakeholders of the vaccine.
Highlights of the event including displayed of cultural dance and drama on the importance of the meseales Vaccination.
COV/AMINU DALHATU.
