Kano Targets 7.8 Million Children for October Vaccination Campaign

Kano State will in October launch a major integrated vaccination campaign targeting over 7.8 million children aged 9 months to 14 years against measles, rubella, and polio. The exercise is expected to be one of the largest immunization drives in West Africa.

The announcement was made during a media dialogue organized by the Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board (SPHCMB) in collaboration with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) and global polio eradication partners. The session aimed to sensitize the media on the importance of mobilizing communities ahead of the campaign.

Director-General of SPHCMB, Professor Salisu Ibrahim, represented by the Director of Immunization and Disease Control, Dr. Ahmad Tijjani, said the campaign will also include routine immunization for children aged 0 to 23 months and polio vaccination for over 3 million children under five. He noted that combining these efforts will improve overall health outcomes for children in the state.

Dr. Tijjani explained that despite ongoing routine immunization efforts, measles and rubella remain major public health threats, which necessitates a more comprehensive approach. He added that the media engagement was crucial to increasing awareness and community participation.

Also speaking at the event, NPHCDA State Coordinator, Maryam Umar, stressed the importance of collective responsibility in achieving full coverage. She urged parents and caregivers to present their children for vaccination and called on the media to help counter myths and misinformation about vaccines.

UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kano, Rahma Rihood Mohammed Farah, highlighted the support provided by development partners for the campaign. He revealed that 3,300 health workers have been trained in interpersonal communication, while 870 Non-Compliance Resolution Team members will work to address vaccine hesitancy in high-risk areas.

The campaign is being jointly implemented by the Federal Ministry of Health, NPHCDA, Kano State Government, UNICEF, WHO, Gavi, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Civil Society Organizations. Journalists from print, broadcast, and online platforms were encouraged to support the campaign by sharing accurate information and helping to mobilize communities across the state