Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has pledged his administration’s full commitment to introducing the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine during the next statewide immunisation campaign.
He made the commitment during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting on the introduction of the MR vaccine into routine immunisation in Kaduna State. Represented by Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe, the governor applauded the National Primary Health Care Development Agency for its decision to include the MR vaccine in routine immunisation schedules, describing it as “a bold step in the right direction aimed at giving every child in Nigeria a fighting chance at life.”
“As both a medical doctor and public servant, I understand the crucial role immunisation plays in shaping our future. A healthy child today is a more productive adult tomorrow,” Balarabe stated.
She called on all key stakeholders including healthcare workers, community and religious leaders, policymakers, donor agencies, and parents to join efforts in protecting the health and lives of children.
Governor Sani stressed that the government alone cannot win the battle against measles and rubella. He urged collaboration at all levels of society. “From traditional and religious leaders to frontline health workers, from policymakers to the wives of our local government chairmen everyone has a role to play in sensitising their communities,” he said.
He revealed that as of January 31, 2025, Nigeria had recorded 627 suspected measles cases across 213 local government areas in 30 states. He expressed concern over the cases and deaths already reported in Kaduna State this year, calling them regrettable.
The governor specifically urged the chairmen of Kaduna North and Kaduna South LGAs to share the knowledge and outcomes of the stakeholder engagement with their colleagues and ensure that sensitisation efforts reach the grassroots level.
Also speaking at the event, the First Lady of Kaduna State, Hafsat Uba Sani, urged women to prioritise routine immunisation to safeguard their children’s health. She echoed the call for traditional and religious leaders, as well as local government chairmen and their wives, to intensify awareness efforts on the importance of vaccination.
In her welcome address, Commissioner for Health, Umma Ahmad, emphasised that measles and rubella continue to pose serious public health risks, especially to vulnerable groups such as children under five and pregnant women.
Ahmad commended the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the National Programme on Immunisation, and global partners including UNICEF, WHO, and Gavi for their ongoing technical and financial support in strengthening immunisation efforts across Nigeria.
