Zamfara, UNICEF target 1.2m children for integrated vaccination campaign
Sidi Ibrahim Kaulahi, Gusau
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The Zamfara State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has announced plans to vaccinate 1.2 million children through a statewide integrated vaccination campaign.
This was disclosed on Saturday during a media dialogue held at the Emergency Operations Centre in Gusau by the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Hussaini Yakubu Anka.
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Dr. Anka said the state government, working closely with donor agencies, has finalized arrangements for the immediate rollout of the exercise across all 14 local government areas. The campaign, he explained, is designed to tackle a wide range of vaccine-preventable diseases, including polio and rubella, while also addressing nutritional challenges among children.
“To ensure effective coverage and success, we have mobilized 1,997 well-trained teams to reach all 147 wards in the state,” he noted.
The Executive Secretary, however, expressed concern over resistance from some communities and private schools, attributing the challenge to inadequate awareness about the importance of vaccination.
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He commended Governor Dauda Lawal, UNICEF, and other development partners for their unwavering support and for providing the enabling environment needed to carry out the campaign.
Dr. Anka urged community leaders, parents and school authorities to embrace the initiative for the health and wellbeing of children across Zamfara State.