WHO Official: Five Doses of Tetanus Vaccine Provide Lifetime Protection as Over 90,000 Immunized in Doguwa
By Maikudi Muhammad Marafa
More than 90,000 eligible women and girls have been successfully immunized against Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination (MNTE) in Doguwa Local Government Area, placing the council among the top 10 performing local government areas in Kano State during the recently concluded vaccination campaign.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Information Officer of Doguwa Local Government, Labaran Garba Chiromawa, and made available to journalists.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ review meeting, the Head of Primary Healthcare in Doguwa Local Government, Alhaji Murtala Isa Yako, who was represented by the Local Immunization Officer, Malam Musa Adamu Riruwa, said Doguwa was among the 18 local government areas selected to implement the MNTE vaccination campaign in Kano State.
He explained that the campaign targeted girls and women between the ages of 15 and 49 years, both in schools and communities, with the active support of traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other community gatekeepers to ensure wide coverage.
Also speaking, the Health Educator and Social Mobilization Officer of the Primary Healthcare Department in Doguwa, Malam Muktar Hamza Zuga, noted that Kano remains one of the four states in Nigeria with a high burden of maternal and neonatal tetanus.
He expressed concern that despite the proven benefits of immunization, some members of the public still avoid health facilities and decline vaccination services, thereby exposing themselves and their families to preventable diseases.
The representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), Malam Muhammad B. Abubakar, described tetanus as a life-threatening disease responsible for the deaths of many mothers and newborns. He explained that the disease is caused by bacteria commonly found in soil and dust, making exposure almost unavoidable, particularly in rural communities.
According to him, individuals who sustain open wounds without prior immunization are at significant risk of contracting the disease. He added that women who are not vaccinated are especially vulnerable during childbirth, as delivery-related injuries can lead to tetanus infection, threatening the lives of both mother and child.
Malam Muhammad B. Abubakar emphasized that receiving five doses of the tetanus vaccine provides lifelong protection, making it one of the most effective interventions for preventing maternal and neonatal tetanus.
On his part, the Chairman of Doguwa Local Government, Alhaji Abdulrahid Rilwan, represented by his Special Assistant, A’isha Aliyu, commended health workers for their commitment to the successful implementation of the campaign. He urged them to continue carrying out their responsibilities with professionalism, dedication, and strict adherence to established guidelines.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Doguwa Local Government Administration to improving healthcare delivery and safeguarding the health and well-being of residents.
In a statement signed by the Information officer of the Council Labaran Garba Chiromawa stated that, At the end of the meeting, stakeholders recommended intensified public awareness campaigns through innovative communication strategies to sustain the gains recorded during the exercise. They also commended traditional rulers for their outstanding contributions to community mobilization, which greatly contributed to the success of the vaccination campaign.
The meeting was attended by the Health Councillor, Alhaji Ya’u Riruwai; the representative of the District Head of Doguwa (Sarkin Yamma Kano); representatives of the Kano State Ministry of Health; the Executive Secretary of Doguwa Local Government; members of the Ward Development Committees (WDCs); the Amirah of FOMWAN; the Hisbah Commander; the Chief Imam of Doguwa; village heads; ward heads; and other key stakeholders.
