Bauchi Targets 280,000 Children For Malaria Vaccine

To curb one of Nigeria’s deadliest childhood diseases, the Bauchi State government has unveiled plans to vaccinate over 280,000 children under the age of two against malaria this year.

The rollout, scheduled for selected health facilities, will marksa historic milestone in the state’s fight against infant mortality and preventable diseases.

The executive chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr Rilwanu Muhammad, disclosed the development during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement at the Board’s Conference Hall in Bauchi.

He described the introduction of the malaria vaccine as a “major step forward” in safeguarding the lives and futures of Bauchi’s youngest residents.

To him, adequate doses of the vaccine have already been distributed to designated health facilities, while trained health workers stand ready to ensure a smooth and safe implementation of the programme.

He further commended development partners and key stakeholders for their sustained collaboration, stressing that the campaign’s success hinges on collective action.

“This is not a government effort alone. Community leaders, religious institutions, media practitioners, and parents all have critical roles to play.”

The engagement brought together journalists, religious leaders, and community representatives, all of whom pledged to intensify sensitisation campaigns and mobilise parents to ensure eligible children are vaccinated.

Malaria remains one of the leading causes of death among children in Nigeria.

With this ambitious vaccination drive, Bauchi State is positioning itself at the forefront of efforts to dramatically reduce malaria-related deaths and give every child a healthier start in life.