In a significant commitment to public health, the Emir of Kontagora, Alhaji Muhammadu Bara Muazu II, and the Emir of Kagara, Mallam Ahmed Garba Gunna Attahiru II, have pledged to mobilize their communities in support of a measles and rubella vaccination campaign. This effort is part of a broader initiative launched by the Niger State Ministry of Primary Health Care, aimed at enhancing preventive healthcare measures across the state.
The traditional leaders’ commitment was made during the launch of an advocacy and sensitization drive in their domains. They underscored their role in promoting the importance of vaccination among parents, encouraging them to allow their children to be immunized against these diseases. The campaign, supported by the World Bank, also includes polio vaccination, reflecting a comprehensive approach to reducing morbidity and mortality associated with these preventable diseases.
According to Dr. Mohammed Gana, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, this initiative is aligned with the state government’s proactive public health policies under the administration of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago. The goal is to immunize children against measles, rubella, and polio, leveraging the support of community leaders to ensure the campaign’s success.
Health experts, including Dr. Junaidu Innuwa and Dr. Hauwa Nnatako, emphasized the severity of measles and rubella, highlighting the critical role of vaccination in preventing these diseases. They assured that the vaccines will be administered free of charge to children, removing financial barriers to access.
The Project Manager of the IMPACT campaign, Hamza Tijani, stressed the importance of comprehensive immunization, noting its potential to significantly minimize the burden of these diseases. By engaging traditional leaders and leveraging community support, the campaign aims to achieve high vaccination rates, contributing to improved public health outcomes in Niger State.
The success of this campaign will depend on the active participation of communities, facilitated by the engagement of traditional leaders. As the initiative progresses, monitoring and evaluation will be crucial to assess its impact and identify areas for improvement. With its focus on preventive healthcare and community engagement, this vaccination campaign reflects a significant step towards enhancing health security in the region.
