Report by MANSUR SULEIMAN PAKI; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
Kaduna State Government has flagged off the integrated Measles and Rubella Immunization Campaign with an expressed commitment to ending threats of the diseases through out the state.
At the launch of the campaign in Kajuru Local Government Area, the Deputy Governor, Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe directed all the 23 Local Government Areas to conduct simultaneous flag-off ceremonies and ensure comprehensive coverage of the exercise.
Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe said the campaign targets every eligible child between 9 and 59 months maintaining that Immunization remains one of the most powerful and cost-effective tools to prevent illness, disability, and even death.
The Deputy Governor urged all stakeholders to remained united and vigilant as the state has planned a comprehensive campaign to combat the diseases.
“We are combating measles, rubella, and other vaccine-preventable diseases such as polio, we must remain united and vigilant. Immunization is not the responsibility of government alone; it is a collective obligation of parents, caregivers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community volunteers. I urge every parent across all 23 Local Government Areas to please present your children for vaccination”.
Hajiya Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe emphasized that Kaduna State will continue to demonstrate leadership in immunization and disease prevention for safety of children.
In a speech, the Kaduna State Coordinator of World Health Organization, Dr. Abede Mohammed said the event present a better opportunity for Kaduna State to make history.
He stated that no child will be left behind as the immunization team will visit Schools, Markets, and all communities to conduct the vaccination.
The Executive Secretary, Kaduna state Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Bello Jamo urged parents and children to take advantage of the Ten Days period of the campaign to be immunized.
The event featured traditional dances and speeches and was attended by Major stakeholders including the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, UNICEF, WHO, and the Gates foundation.
