At least two million children aged nine months to 14 years are expected to benefit from the Integrated Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign flagged off by the first lady of Bauchi State, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, as part of efforts to protect children from life-threatening diseases.
Speaking at the ceremony at the Conference Hall of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, she described the campaign as a milestone in safeguarding the health and future of children, the pride and hope of the state.
“Measles and rubella remain among the most contagious and dangerous diseases affecting children globally. Measles can cause severe complications such as blindness, pneumonia, and even death, while rubella may lead to serious birth defects if contracted during pregnancy,” she said.
Represented by the wife of the deputy governor, Hajiya Maimuna Auwal Jatau, she explained that the Integrated Measles-Rubella Campaign aimed to vaccinate all children between 9 months and 14 years, providing additional protection through other critical vaccines.
She added that the campaign covers Measles-Rubella vaccine: Children aged 9 months to 14 years, Childhood vaccines: 0-23 months, Polio vaccine: 0–59 months, HPV vaccine Girls aged 9 years and above as well as additional protection against malaria and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
The first lady emphasised that routine immunisation will continue in all health facilities after the campaign to ensure that no child is left unprotected.
“Let me emphasise that vaccines are safe, effective, and fully paid for by the government. As a mother, I call on all parents to visit the nearest health facility and ensure their children receive every recommended vaccine,” she appealed.
She commended the Bauchi State Government under the leadership of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed for its sustained commitment to the health and wellbeing of women and children through the State Primary Healthcare Board.
“Our state continues to expand immunisation services, improve health delivery, and strengthen community engagement. With strong collaboration between government, partners, and dedicated health workers, Bauchi is moving closer to a future where no child dies from a vaccine-preventable disease,” she stated.
“Immunization is not just an act of love, it is a duty and responsibility to our children and our communities,” she added.
Earlier, the state commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Sani Mohammed Dambam, described the campaign as a landmark effort to safeguard the health of children across Bauchi State.
He explained that the campaign will provide life-saving vaccines to protect against multiple diseases, with immunization continuing at all Primary Health Care (PHC) centres after the exercise.
“These vaccines are safe, effective, and free of charge. They remain the best protection we can give our children against deadly diseases,” he assured.
Dambam noted that under the leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed, the State Government has prioritised healthcare as a foundation for human capital development through infrastructure upgrades, expansion of family planning services, and implementation of the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent and Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) strategy.
He acknowledged the support of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), WHO, UNICEF, and other partners for their role in improving immunisation coverage and disease surveillance across the state.
“We must all take responsibility to ensure that no eligible child is left unvaccinated,” he urged, calling on traditional rulers, religious leaders and others to support the exercise.
