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Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna State, has pledged the state’s commitment to introducing the Measles-Rubella(MR) vaccines in the next statewide immunisation campaign.
He made the promise at the stakeholders’ engagement on the introduction of Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccines into routine immunisation in Kaduna State on Thursday.
The governor, who was represented by Hadiza Balarabe, his deputy, praised the decision of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to introduce the MR vaccine into routine immunisation.
Balarabe described the decision as ‘’a bold step in the right direction, aimed at giving every child in Nigeria a fighting chance at life.’’
‘’As a medical doctor and public servant, I understand the crucial role immunisation plays in shaping the future of our society. A healthy child today means a more productive adult tomorrow,’’ she said.
Read also: FG, Gavi measles-rubella vaccination set for launch in October
According to her, health workers, community and religious leaders, policymakers, donor agencies, parents, and government officials to do everything possible to protect the lives of our children.
The governor said that the government cannot win the battle alone because all stakeholders need each other in order to rise to the collective responsibility of fighting the disease.
“From traditional and religious leaders to frontline health workers, from policymakers to the wives of our local government chairmen—everyone is expected to play a vital role in sensitising their respective communities and constituencies,’’ he added.
He disclosed that as of January 31, 2025, 627 suspected measles cases were recorded in 213 LGAs across 30 states of our country.
“While this represents a significant drop from the 2,157 cases in January 2024, the fact that over 80 percent of confirmed cases involved unvaccinated children speaks volumes.’’
The governor lamented that the cases and deaths that have been recorded in the state in 2025 are unfortunate.
“These are not just statistics. They were children with names, with dreams, with futures that have now been cut short.
“To our health workers—you are the hands and feet of this effort. Yours is a sacred duty. You are the hope of mothers who bring their children to the facilities. Your commitment must rise to match the urgency of this moment,’’ he noted.
Read also: Over 40 cases of measles outbreak confirmed in Nasarawa village
Governor Uba called on the chairmen of Kaduna North and South Local Government Areas, who were present at the event, to provide information to their colleagues as he wants the stakeholder engagement to be cascaded down to wards.
“To the spouses of our LGA chairmen, you hold the key to the future of the children within your LGC. This is because you are the mobilisation and sensitisation champions of your LGC, please let your voices be heard in every nook and cranny of your LGC.
“Inform women and get their buy-in and understanding of the values and benefits of immunisation. No child in your LGC should be denied access to the vaccines. Your voices matter. Kaduna counts on your support for this cause,’’ he implored.
Speaking at the event, Hafsat Uba Sani, the First Lady of Kaduna State, advised women to take routine vaccination very seriously in order to keep their children healthy.
Hafsat further called on traditional and religious leaders, local government chairmen and their wives to further sensitise the people about the importance of vaccination.
In her welcome address, Umma Ahmad, the Commissioner of Health, noted that measles and rubella remain serious public health concerns, particularly for the most vulnerable populations, children under five and pregnant women.
“The good news is that both diseases are vaccine-preventable. This marks a critical step toward safeguarding our children and achieving disease elimination targets.
Read also: UNICEF targets 9 million children for measles, polio vaccinations in North
“Kaduna State is ready to embrace this change and incorporate it fully into our routine services. By adding the MR vaccine to our routine schedule, Kaduna will ensure that every eligible child – those at 9 months and those returning at 15 months – receives this life-saving immunisation,’’ she promised.
The commissioner also commended the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the National Programme on Immunisation, international partners like UNICEF, WHO, Gavi and other agencies that have provided critical technical and financial assistance for the immunisation programmes.
