The wife of the Katsina State Governor, Hajiya Zulaihat Dikko Umaru Radda, has launched the Mama Ambassadors Initiative, a new grassroots campaign aimed at promoting routine immunisation and strengthening maternal and child health across the state.
Speaking at the launch in Katsina, the First Lady described immunisation as “an act of love, protection, and faith,” calling on mothers to take responsibility for their children’s health. “When we immunise our children, we are telling them we love you, and we are protecting your future,” she said.
She explained that the initiative will use the influence of women leaders, including wives of local government chairmen, to encourage more mothers to vaccinate their children and attend antenatal clinics regularly.
“These Mama Ambassadors will carry the message of immunisation to every home. They will remind mothers that prevention is better than cure,” she said.
Hajiya Zulaihat commended the growing awareness and participation of mothers in routine immunisation programmes across Katsina, noting the efforts of health workers who serve even in remote areas.
“Our health workers are the true heroes of our communities. They work tirelessly to ensure that every child is protected,” she said.
She, however, expressed concern about children who have not received any vaccines, known as “zero-dose children.” According to her, these are not just statistics but real babies who can be protected if their mothers are informed and supported.
The First Lady appealed to fathers, community leaders, and religious authorities to play active roles in the campaign. “Immunisation is not only a mother’s responsibility, it is a family and community duty. When one child is not vaccinated, all children are at risk’, she stated.
She also thanked the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Gavi, and the State Primary Health Care Development Agency for supporting Katsina’s immunisation efforts and contributing to the success of the new initiative.
Decorating the newly appointed Mama Ambassadors, Hajiya Zulaihat said their role goes beyond symbolism.
“We are not just giving them sashes; we are giving them a mission a sacred duty to protect life and spread truth,” she said.
In her closing remarks, she reaffirmed her commitment to complementing Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s administration in improving access to healthcare for women and children.
“Together, let us make Katsina a shining example of care and protection for our children,” she said.
Earlier, the executive secretary of the Primary Healthcare Department Agency (PHCDA), Dr Shamsudeen Yahaya, highlighted that Katsina currently operates 1,750 primary health care facilities, with 1,636 providing routine immunisation services.
He described this as a reflection of the government’s strong commitment to safeguarding children’s health, noting that last year, the Radda administration distributed 361 motorcycles to health workers to enhance outreach and mobility for immunisation services, alongside the installation of solar-powered vaccine refrigerators to ensure the safe storage of vaccines even in remote areas.
“Our goal is to ensure that every child in Katsina State receives the full complement of routine immunisation,” he said
He appreciated the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, development partners, and traditional and religious leaders for their continued collaboration.
