Governor Uba Sani has pledged Kaduna State’s commitment to introducing the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine into its statewide immunization campaign.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement event on Thursday, the governor—represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe—commended the National Primary Health Care Development Agency’s decision to include MR vaccines in routine immunization.
Dr. Balarabe described the move as “a bold step in the right direction,” noting that it aims to give every child a fighting chance at life. “As a medical doctor and public servant, I understand the crucial role immunization plays in shaping our society. A healthy child today means a more productive adult tomorrow,” she said.
She called on health workers, community and religious leaders, policymakers, donor agencies, and parents to collaborate in protecting children’s lives. “Government cannot win this battle alone. From traditional and religious leaders to health workers and policymakers, everyone must play a vital role in sensitizing communities,” she stressed.
The Deputy Governor revealed that as of January 31, 2025, there were 627 suspected measles cases across 213 LGAs in 30 states. While this figure marks a significant drop from the 2,157 cases in January 2024, over 80% of confirmed cases were among unvaccinated children.
Dr. Balarabe described the deaths recorded as deeply tragic. “These are not just statistics. They were children with names, dreams, and futures now cut short,” she lamented.
Addressing health workers directly, she said, “You are the hands and feet of this effort. Your commitment must rise to match the urgency of this moment.”
She also urged the Chairmen of Kaduna North and South LGAs to share information from the engagement with colleagues, pushing the sensitization down to the ward level. To the wives of LGA Chairmen, she said, “You are the mobilization champions of your LGA. Inform women, and let no child be denied access to these vaccines.”
The First Lady of Kaduna State, Hajiya Hafsat Uba Sani, also called on women to prioritize routine vaccination to keep their children healthy. She appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, LGA chairmen, and their spouses to amplify awareness on vaccination benefits.
In her welcome address, Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Umma Ahmad, emphasized the serious threat measles and rubella pose, especially to children under five and pregnant women. “The good news is both diseases are vaccine-preventable. Introducing the MR vaccine is a critical step toward safeguarding our children and achieving disease elimination targets,” she said.
She confirmed Kaduna’s readiness to include MR vaccines in its routine immunization schedule, ensuring that every eligible child receives it at 9 and 15 months of age.
Ahmad also commended the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, National Programme on Immunization, and global partners like UNICEF, WHO, and Gavi for their ongoing technical and financial support.
