The Kano State Government has flagged off a statewide Measles-Rubella (MR) Integrated Vaccination Campaign aimed at protecting over 7.6 million children aged between nine months and 14 years across the state’s 44 local government areas.
The Independent Mirror reports that the flag-off ceremony was held at Tofa Local Government Area, marking the official commencement of the vaccination drive across the state.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday before the official launch — supported by the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH) — at the Kano State Emergency Operations Centre, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, stated that the campaign, which runs from October 6 to 16, 2025, is part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen public health and immunization coverage.
He described the exercise as a milestone in the state’s collective mission to safeguard the health and future of its citizens, particularly children and mothers.
Dr. Yusuf explained that rubella, also known as German measles, is a contagious viral infection that, while mild in children, can cause severe complications in pregnant women — including Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), which can lead to heart defects, hearing loss, and developmental disabilities in infants.
He noted that introducing the MR vaccine into the state’s routine immunization program aligns with the World Health Organization (WHO) African Regional target of eliminating rubella and congenital rubella syndrome by 2030.
He added that integrating MR vaccination with ongoing Polio and Routine Immunization services demonstrates Kano’s commitment to efficient healthcare delivery — ensuring that multiple lifesaving interventions are provided in a single outreach.
The Commissioner commended the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the support of development partners, including the Federal Ministry of Health, NPHCDA, WHO, UNICEF, AFENET, and the Gates Foundation, among others, for their technical and financial contributions.
He also called on parents and caregivers to ensure their children are vaccinated, emphasizing that the vaccines are safe, free, and essential for building a healthy generation.
Speaking at the launch, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf described the exercise as a historic and life-saving initiative, the first of its kind in the African region, reflecting the government’s determination to safeguard the health and well-being of every child in Kano.
Represented by his deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, the governor explained that the campaign is termed “integrated” because it brings together several health interventions — including vaccinations against Measles, Rubella, Polio, and HPV, as well as mass drug administration for Onchocerciasis (River Blindness).
He revealed that the Tofa Comprehensive Health Centre has been upgraded to a Secondary Health Facility, with ₦250 million earmarked for its development, adding that similar projects are ongoing across all 44 Local Government Areas of Kano State.
Governor Yusuf concluded by appreciating development partners and stakeholders for their continued support and prayed for the success of the campaign, the well-being of Kano’s children, and the prosperity of the state and the nation.
The event was attended by the Emir of Kano, represented by Hakimin Tofa Bashir Abubakar, as well as representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health, NPHCDA, WHO, UNICEF, AFENET, Gates Foundation, and other development partners.
