Kaduna sets to vaccinate 5m children against measles-rubella

The Kaduna State Government has launched a mass immunisation campaign targeting over five million children across all 23 local government areas, as part of efforts to curb vaccine-preventable diseases.

Dr. Abdullahi Musa, State Incident Manager at the Primary Health Care Development Agency, said the exercise will run from October 16 to 27 and cover children aged nine months to 14 years. He explained that the campaign, which integrates measles, rubella, and polio vaccines, is aimed at strengthening child health and boosting herd immunity in the state.

“The integrated approach is cost-effective, efficient, and significantly improves protection levels. Combining measles and rubella vaccines raises immunity from 85 to 95 percent,” Musa stated, assuring parents of the vaccine’s safety.

Hamza Ibrahim Ikara, Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, described the initiative as part of a nationwide effort supported by the Federal Government and development partners. He stressed that measles and rubella remain serious public health concerns, particularly in under-vaccinated communities, and called on journalists to help dispel misinformation that hinders vaccine uptake.

Similarly, Ibrahim Adamu, Supplemental Immunisation Officer with the agency, said vaccination posts would be set up across the state to ensure no eligible child is left behind. He noted that measles can cause fever, cough, and pneumonia, while rubella—though milder—remains a health threat.

The officials urged mothers, caregivers, and stakeholders to mobilise children for the campaign, while assuring residents that vaccines will remain available at primary health centres after the exercise.