The Borno state government says one million and seven thousand children under five years are expected to be reached in the second round of integrated tetanus and Covid-19 immunization campaign.
Executive Director State Primary Healthcare Development Agency Dr Lawi Mshelia stated this at a one day orientation for media, traditional and religious leaders on maternal and neonatal tetanus in Maiduguri.
Dr. Mshelia said tetanus is a preventable disease, however Nigeria is yet eliminate the burden because of low immunisation coverage.
He expressed satisfaction with the coverage of the first round which stood at ninety four percent.
According to the Executive Director, the immunisation exercise will be carried out in eighteen high burden local government areas between 3rd and 10th February.
In a presentation, United Nations Children Fund UNICEF Communication for Development Specialist Elizabeth Onitilo said the campaign is targeting women of childbearing age between 15-49 years.
She charged the media to amplify the dangers of the disease and encourage women to present themselves and their children for the vaccine.
The meeting was attended by traditional rulers from Maiduguri and Jere, representatives of Jama’atu Nasril Islam and Christian Association of Nigeria and media professionals.
Cov/Dauda Iliya
