By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

The World Health Organization (World Health Organization) and the Kaduna State Government have intensified efforts to ensure that every eligible child receives routine immunisation, as activities marking the 2026 African Vaccination Week commence.

The campaign, observed from April 24 to 30 under the theme “For Every Generation, Vaccines Work,” focuses on reaching “zero-dose” children—those who have not received any routine vaccines.

WHO State Coordinator, Musa Mahadi Wade, said the initiative aims to close immunisation gaps and protect children in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.

He said the state had recorded significant progress, including the vaccination of 4.2 million children against measles and rubella, and commended efforts to revitalise 255 Primary Health Centres across Kaduna State.

“Our mission is to ensure no child is left unprotected, even in the most remote areas,” he said, urging parents to present their children for immunisation at health facilities.

Wade added that WHO is providing technical support across all 23 local government areas in the state, including disease surveillance, planning, and the use of digital tools to improve vaccine coverage.

Also speaking, Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, Bello Jamo, described vaccination as one of the most effective public health interventions globally.

He said immunisation protects against diseases such as measles, polio, tuberculosis, and hepatitis, and remains essential across all age groups.

Jamo disclosed that Kaduna State has expanded immunisation coverage significantly, including vaccination of over 2.5 million children during a recent polio response and protection of more than 754,000 girls against cervical cancer through the HPV vaccine.

He also noted that over 4,000 previously unvaccinated children have now been reached through targeted outreach programmes.

Despite progress, he identified challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and access limitations in some communities.

He said the government, with partners, is increasing community sensitisation, expanding outreach services, and engaging traditional and religious leaders to improve vaccine acceptance.

Jamo commended health workers and development partners for their role in sustaining immunisation efforts, urging parents and caregivers to ensure full compliance with vaccination schedules.

The Kaduna State Government and WHO also called on stakeholders, including community leaders and the media, to support ongoing efforts to close immunisation gaps and protect children’s health.