The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, has launched a robust immunisation campaign in Kebbi State, targeting over 1.5 million children for vaccination against deadly childhood diseases.
Dr. Sheik Humuyin Kabir, Health Manager for UNICEF Nigeria (Abuja Office), revealed the initiative during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera, in Argungu Local Government Area on Tuesday.
He explained that the campaign will span four years, and aims to vaccinate children against diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, measles, cholera, malaria, and cervical cancer.
“We are here to seek the cooperation of traditional rulers, particularly the Emir and his community leaders, to drive vaccine acceptance through advocacy and awareness,” Dr. Kabir stated.
“The vaccines are available and free—parents simply need to access them.”
Also speaking, the Head of GAVI’s delegation to Nigeria, Dr. Jesica Crawford, emphasized their focus on malaria vaccination. “We are here for a massive malaria vaccination drive. Our goal is to ensure no child is left behind, especially in hard-to-reach areas,” she said.
In response, Emir Samaila Muhammad Mera expressed concern over the community’s declining vaccine uptake, especially for malaria. “People keep asking, ‘Why always polio vaccines and not malaria?’ The vaccines are available, yet many parents still refuse them,” he lamented.
The Emir urged UNICEF and GAVI to invest in continuous public enlightenment, stressing that awareness campaigns often disappear once a vaccination cycle ends.
In a related development, the World Health Organization (WHO), through its Kebbi State Coordinator Dr. Nasir Zurmi, donated 11 motorcycles to the Kebbi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency to enhance access to hard-to-reach communities.
The international health team also inspected primary healthcare centres in Takalau (Birnin Kebbi metropolis) and Argungu as part of their field assessment tour.
The Bureau Newspaper
