Kano state government has assured its commitment to tackle all the children killer diseases in the state.
The state commissioner for health Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf stated this at a Press briefing on the Measles Rubella Integrated Campaign in the state.
He said, the campaign marks another milestone in our collective effort to safeguard the health and future of state citizens particularly the children and mothers.
“On the Measles Rubella Campaign from 6th to 16th October 2025, Kano State will conduct a state-wide Measles–Rubella vaccination campaign, targeting 7.8 million children aged 9 months to 14 years across all our 44 Local Government Areas,” The commissioner said.
According to the commissioner the historic exercise will be conducted alongside the Polio vaccination campaign, which aims to reach over 3.9 million children under five years of age, while also strengthening Routine Immunization (RI) services within the same period.For the Rubella also known as German measles is a contagious viral infection that, though mild in children, can have serious consequences in pregnant women, leading to Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in babies. CRS can cause heart defects, hearing loss, and developmental disabilities.
“For many years, rubella silently circulated in Nigeria, often undetected, causing preventable birth defects and infant disabilities. That is why the campaign is of historic significance: it marks the first time Nigeria and Kano State is administering the combined Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine to protect our children and future mothers from both diseases simultaneously,” Dr Labaran added.
The commissioner pointed out that By introducing the MR vaccine into our routine immunization schedule, Kano State is aligning with the National Rubella Elimination Strategy and the WHO African Regional target to eliminate rubella and congenital rubella syndrome by 2030. Adding that this is a proud moment for us and a major step toward ensuring that no mother in Kano gives birth to a child affected by rubella-related complications,” He said.
He further said the integration demonstrates our commitment to efficient health service delivery ensuring that every child receives multiple lifesaving vaccines and interventions in a single outreach.Polio Situation and Response distinguished guests and gentlemen of the press,While Nigeria has maintained its status as Wild Polio-Free since 2020, the country still faces challenges from circulating Variant Poliovirus Type 2 (cVPV2).
“Nationally, 98 cases were reported in 2024 and 3 cases detected in early 2025 across Kano State.In Kano, we remain resolute under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, in sustaining high-quality campaigns and strengthening surveillance to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated and no case goes undetected.Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccination As part of our integrated health approach.”
“I am pleased to inform you that Kano State has fully joined the national rollout of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, which began in 2023. This vaccine protects our adolescent girls, aged 9 to 14 years, against cervical cancer one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women. We are integrating HPV vaccination into the Routine Immunization structure and engaging schools and communities to ensure no eligible girl is left behind.Routine Immunization Performance Our Routine Immunization system remains the backbone of all vaccination efforts, He Urged.
He said According to national surveys (MICS/NICS 2021), Kano was among the states with low coverage for key antigens such as Penta-3 and Measles-1. However, through sustained efforts, capacity building, and improved accountability, Kano state witnessing encouraging progress in the DHIS2 monthly reports.
Dr. Labaran further said the ongoing campaign provides yet another opportunity to intensify routine immunization and close the remaining immunity gaps across the state.
“Onchocerciasis and Other Neglected Tropical DiseasesIn addition to immunization, this integrated campaign also features the distribution of ivermectin for Onchocerciasis (river blindness) in 6 LGAs (Tudun wada, Madobi, Gaya, Kabo, Dambatta and Garun Malam), other public-health interventions.”
Adding that Kano state remains committed to achieving therapeutic coverage above 80% in all endemic LGAs, while working toward meeting the WHO threshold for stopping mass drug administration in eligible areas. This effort underscores our vision for a disease-free, productive population.Appreciation and Call to ActionDistinguished stakeholders,I wish to express our profound appreciation to Governor of Kano Stae Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf for his tremendous and tireless support towards Healthcare system development in the state, expressed his appreciation for development partners FMOH, NPHCDA, WHO, UNICEF, AFENET, Gates Foundation, SOLINA, Chigari Foundation, Sultan Foundation, eHealth Africa, Rotary, IVAC, Core group HANDS and numerous to mention — for their technical and financial support.
The commissioner also acknowledged the tireless contributions of healthcare workers, traditional and religious leaders, LGA Chairmen, and volunteers who stand at the frontlines of this noble mission.I call on all parents, caregivers, and community members to bring their children and wards for vaccination during this campaign.
He said, these vaccines are safe, free, and lifesaving.Together, we can make Kano State a model of immunization excellence in Nigeria and Africa at large.
