Kano State Launches Historic Pan-African Health Campaign to Protect 5 Million Children

Kano State Launches Historic Pan-African Health Campaign to Protect 5 Million Children

By Maikudi Muhammad Marafa

In a landmark move for public health in Africa, the Kano State Government  launched an integrated Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign, aiming to reach over five million children across the state.

His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, officially flagged off the initiative at a ceremony in Tofa Town, Tofa Local Government Area. Represented by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, Governor Yusuf declared the campaign a “historic and life-saving initiative” and the first of its kind in the African region.

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“This campaign is a reaffirmation of our commitment to ensuring no child in Kano is left behind in the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases,” Governor Yusuf stated. “We are not just holding a ceremony; we are launching a strategic mission to reach every child, including those missed by routine immunisation, with life-saving vaccines.”

The campaign is uniquely integrated, combining vaccinations against Measles, Rubella, Polio, and HPV with mass drug administration for Onchocerciasis (River Blindness). This coordinated approach is designed to maximize efficiency and health impact.

Also Read: Kano State Strengthens Immunization Drive Through Collaborative Stakeholder Meeting

“This is a major step forward and proof that Kano is leading the way in innovation and commitment to public health,” the Governor added.

Highlighting the administration’s broader health strategy, Governor Yusuf announced the upgrade of the Tofa Comprehensive Health Centre to a full Secondary Health Facility, with ₦250 million earmarked for its development. He confirmed that similar infrastructure projects are ongoing across all 44 Local Government Areas of the state.

Governor Yusuf made a personal appeal to communities: “I urge every mother, father, and guardian to ensure your children are fully vaccinated. These vaccines and medicines are safe, free, and effective. They save lives. Let no child be left behind.”

He also commended the dedication of health workers and vaccination teams, calling them the “true champions of this campaign,” and urged them to continue serving with patience and respect.

The Governor reaffirmed the state’s commitment to collaborating with key partners, including the Federal Government, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, AFENET, and CHAI.

Read More: Kano Mobilizes to Vaccinate 7.8 Million Children in Historic National Measles-Rubella Campaign

“Together, let us make this campaign a model for the rest of Africa,” he declared. “Let us show that when government, partners, and communities unite, no child is left behind.”

In his remarks , the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, appealed to parents and caregivers to ensure their children participate fully in the exercise to achieve complete protection against the targeted diseases.