SPHCB/WHO Intensify Efforts Towards Vaccinating Eligible Children In Kaduna State

By, USMAN NASIDI, Kaduna

Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Board in collaboration with World Health Organization (WHO) has commenced the Integrated Measles Rubella (MR) and Monkey Pox campaigns on October 18, 2025.

A statement issued to newsmen by the State Coordinator of WHO, Dr. Abede Mohammed, disclosed that the program has been phased into various segments, aimed at enhancing the health condition of the citizens.

According to him, the public health interventions demonstrate the state government and partners strong commitment to protecting the citizens from emerging and vaccine preventable diseases in all the 23 Local Government Areas of the state with emphasis on reaching zero dose and hard – to – reach communities.

The segments are:- Talking points on monkey Pox (MPOX) explained that the disease was said to be a viral disease that can spread from animals to humans or from person to person as it was caused by monkey pox virus similar to the virus that caused small pox but usually less severe.

The disease according to the statement, can be contacted by touching or handling infected animals like rodents or monkeys, pointing that close contact with someone who has the infection can equally lead to someone contacting the disease by way of touching their rash, scabs or body fluids as well as touching items like clothes, bedding or towels used by an infected person.

However, the common signs and symptoms of the disease are fever, headache, body pain and idleness as well as swelling of the lymph nodes which consist of neck, armpit or groin. After a few days, a rash appears starting on the face and to other parts of the body.

He further pointed that the rash changes from spots to blisters; and scars before healing. It was said that most patients recovers within 2-4 weeks and that it can be serious for young children, pregnant women or people with weak immune system.

Meanwhile, the other segment talked about ways to prevent the dangerous disease by avoiding contact with animals or people who are sick with rashes.

He said, “One should avoid contact with animals or people who are sick with rashes, adding that people should often wash their hands with clean water and soap as well as avoid sharing of clothes, towels or beddings with others.”

Dr. Abede Mohammed, urges people to report to a teacher or health worker about anybody suspected to have a rash or fever.

“People are expected to tell their parents, teacher or visit a health Care Center immediately as well as avoid contact with patients until they are thoroughly checked by a health worker.”

Similarly, the statement further reminded people on the need to know that Monkey pox is preventable by early reporting about its existence in an area as early reporting and good hygiene saves lives.

On the Integrated Measles Rubella (ME) Campaign, the campaign will deliver a package of life-saving health interventions across various age groups to maximize public health impact as outlined below:-
Interventions.

Target group:- Measles Rubella (MR)
9 months – 14 years, nopV2 (Polio)
59 months, NTO preventive Chemotherapy, 3 – 59 years and above, Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC), 3-59 months, HPV Vaccination
Girls aged 9years, Routine Immunization Intensification
0-23 months.

The key objectives of the interventions according to the statement is to interrupt transmission of Measles, Rubella, Polio and Monkey Pox as well as to strengthen population immunity routine immunization cover, reach zero dose children and vulnerable populations in underserved areas in addition to promoting the integration of essential health interventions through community based delivery.

Also, the statement which outlined the role of the media, urges them to disseminate accurate Information on campaign dates and with its benefits.
The media are expected to counter vaccine misinformation and hesitancy as well as highlight government and further efforts in protecting community health in addition to encouraging caregivers and communities to actively participate in the campaign.

He added that the public are expected to know that all vaccines provided during the campaign are free, safe and effective while Caregivers should ensure that their children and wards receive all eligible vaccines between 18th and 27th day of October 2025.

WHO State Coordinator, Dr. Abede Mohammed,pledged to ensure that no one is left behind in the integrated campaigns urged the eligible people to ensure that they are all immunized.

Finally, he called for a collective responsibility from household, the media, community leaders and Caregivers to ensure the success of the campaign in order to make Kaduna State healthier, safer and free from preventable diseases.