Writing By Aminu Dalhatu; Editing By Godwin Duru
Zamfara State Government has launched a state-level advocacy campaign aimed at revitalizing routine immunization and strengthening primary healthcare services across the state.
The event held at Dr. Karima State Primary Health Care Centre in Tudun Wada Gusau, brought together government officials, traditional leaders, development partners, and representatives of women and youth groups.
Speaking at the event, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal described the campaign as a collective duty to protect the lives of children across Zamfara State.
She said the initiative goes beyond government policy, stressing that it represents a shared commitment of parents, communities, and leaders to ensure every child is protected from preventable diseases.
“Today is indeed a joyful day. We gather not as government and citizens, but as one family joined by our shared love for our children,” she said. “Immunisation is more than a health intervention; it is an expression of love, a shield of protection, and an act of faith.”
Hajiya Huriyya who spoke passionately about the emotional and physical burden mothers face when caring for sick children, said routine vaccines remain among the most powerful tools for safeguarding their future.
She however who expressed concern about the number of zero-dose children, and those who have not received any vaccines, described them as vulnerable and in urgent need of targeted interventions.
Hajiya Huriyya Lawal also inaugurated Mama Ambassadors, comprising Wives of local government Chairmen who will lead advocacy effort at the grassroots.
“These ambassadors will take this message to the heart of every community,” the First Lady said. “They will remind mothers to take their children for immunisation, attend antenatal care, and remain in active contact with health centres.”
She urged mothers to ignore rumours and misinformation about vaccines, assuring them that all vaccines used in Nigeria are safe and effective.
In a remark, the Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Hussaini Anka noted that within the past eleven months, several lifesaving programs targeting pregnant women and children at the grassroots had been implemented, leading to a reduction in vaccine-preventable diseases.
Dr. Anka who emphasized that quality healthcare delivery begins at the primary level, stressed the need for stronger collaboration between government, traditional institutions, and community leaders to improve immunization uptake.
According to him, low vaccine acceptance remains a challenge, prompting the Governors’ Forum and development partners to adopt community-focused outreach strategies.
He revealed that, more than two billion naira had been released by the Governor Lawal to strengthen primary healthcare facilities, enabling 147 centres to receive direct funding for the first time in years.
In her address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Aisha Anka, described the campaign as a critical step toward safeguarding women and children in Zamfara State.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nafisa Maradun, reiterated that the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal is prioritizing the health sector.
Represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr Haske noted that most primary healthcare facilities in the state have been revitalized and that, recruitment of additional health workers is already underway.
The Emir of Anka, Alhaji Attahiru Ahmad stressed the importance of vaccines among children, and called on parents to accept for their children.
Stakeholders expressed confidence that the initiative will strengthen healthcare delivery, improve health outcomes, and contribute to the long-term stability and prosperity of the state.
COV/AMINU DALHATU
