From Mustapha Saye, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has launched the Integrated Measles and Rubella (MR) Vaccination Campaign to protect 4.2 million children aged 9 months to 14 years across all 23 Local Government Areas of the state from vaccine-preventable diseases.
The campaign, which began on October 18, 2025, will run for 10 days with two additional days for mop-up activities.
Yusuf Yusufari, Deputy Director of Immunization and Disease Control at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s immunization programs.
He noted that Nigeria has made significant progress in protecting children and women from preventable diseases. The Foundation has pledged $200 billion over the next two decades to advance global health initiatives, including vaccine development and distribution.
The campaign targets about 42% of the state’s total population and includes oral polio vaccination, deworming, and distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets. Mallam Suleiman Mohammed, WHO Data Officer for Kaduna Field Office, commended the strong mobilization witnessed on the first day of the exercise.
The State Incident Manager, Mr. Abdullahi Musa, said the government was fully prepared for the exercise, with planning ongoing for three months. The Director of Disease Control and Immunization, Dr. Hamza Ibrahim Ikara, highlighted Kaduna’s determination to eliminate zero-dose children.
UNICEF has mobilized journalists, social media influencers, and civil society organizations to create awareness and encourage community participation in the exercise.
Traditional leaders have also pledged their support, noting that they have been sensitizing their communities about the importance of vaccination. The local government chairman, Muhammad Gambo, has provided 50 vaccine carriers and deployed additional vaccination teams across key wards.