The Kogi State Government has commenced the vaccination of 1.9 million children under the Integrated Measles-Rubella (MR) campaign, targeting children aged nine months to 15 years.
The campaign, which combines the MR vaccine with the novel Oral Polio Vaccine (nOPV), Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, and Routine Immunization (RI), was officially launched by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on Sunday. It will run from October 6 to 15 across all wards and districts in the state.
Governor Ododo said the campaign aims to immunise children against measles and rubella, strengthen protection against polio resurgence, introduce the HPV vaccine for girls aged nine to 14 to prevent cervical cancer, and revitalise the routine immunisation system.
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“Routine immunisation is a powerful tool to end preventable diseases and preserve our future. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child is reached,” the governor said.
He commended traditional rulers and religious leaders for their continued support and urged parents and caregivers to present their children for vaccination, stressing that the exercise symbolizes the state’s commitment to life, health, and the well-being of future generations.
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The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adeiza Abdulazeez, praised the governor’s leadership, noting that the revitalisation of primary healthcare centres (PHCs) across the state has strengthened community confidence in the health system. He also acknowledged the roles of religious scholars and community leaders in promoting public health awareness.
The Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Musa Muazu, said the state had completed microplanning, mobilised cold chain equipment, and engaged social mobilisation teams to ensure smooth implementation.
He appealed to parents, caregivers, and community leaders to ensure every eligible child is vaccinated, noting that the vaccines are safe, free, and life-saving.
In his goodwill message, Mr. Abdulrazaq Ishola, who represented the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), commended Kogi for achieving 100 per cent coverage in previous immunization rounds.
He also lauded Governor Ododo’s personal involvement in the launch and appealed for the recruitment of additional frontline and auxiliary health workers to further strengthen healthcare delivery in the state.
