Kano Flags Off Landmark Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign to Protect Children and Future Mothers

……7.8 Million Children Targeted Across 44 LGAs as State Aligns with WHO 2030 Rubella Elimination Goal

By Musa Abdullahi Sufi | Kano, Nigeria

Kano State has officially flagged off a historic Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to protect children and future mothers from preventable diseases.

The campaign, launched under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and supervised by Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, aims to vaccinate over 7.8 million children aged 9 months to 14 years across all 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony in Kano, Dr. Labaran described the exercise as “a milestone in our collective effort to safeguard the health and future of our citizens.” He noted that the campaign aligns with both the National Rubella Elimination Strategy and the World Health Organization (WHO) African Regional target to eliminate rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) by 2030.

“This marks the first time Nigeria and Kano State are administering the combined Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine to protect our children and future mothers simultaneously,” the Commissioner said.

“It is a proud moment for us — a major step toward ensuring that no mother in Kano gives birth to a child affected by rubella-related complications.”

Integrated Health Approach: One Campaign, Multiple Protections

The Measles-Rubella campaign is being conducted alongside the Polio vaccination drive, targeting over 3.9 million children under five, while also strengthening Routine Immunization (RI) services across the state.

Dr. Labaran emphasized that integrating these health services reflects Kano’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and community-centered service delivery — ensuring that every child receives multiple lifesaving vaccines during one outreach.

He added that Kano’s efforts also extend to HPV vaccination for adolescent girls aged 9–14 years to protect against cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women. “We are integrating HPV vaccination into our Routine Immunization structure and engaging schools and communities to ensure that no eligible girl is left behind,” he said.

Rubella: A Silent Threat to Mothers and Babies

Rubella, also known as German Measles, is a contagious viral infection that, though mild in children, can have devastating effects on pregnant women — causing Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in babies. CRS often results in heart defects, hearing loss, or developmental disabilities.

“For many years, rubella silently circulated in Nigeria, often undetected, causing preventable birth defects and infant disabilities,” Dr. Labaran noted. “This campaign is of historic significance — it protects both the present and the future generations.”

Field Implementation and Oversight

Following the official launch, vaccination teams fanned out across communities, schools, and health facilities throughout Kano. Thousands of children were vaccinated on the first day, marking a strong start to the 10-day statewide campaign running from 6th to 16th October 2025.

Executive supervision teams led by the Commissioner for Health, officials from the State Primary Health Care Management Board, and representatives from partner organizations visited several LGAs to ensure compliance, safety, and quality delivery.

In a display of accountability, the Kano State government ordered the suspension of the Kabo LGA MR integrated team following reports of mishandling during the campaign, reaffirming the administration’s zero-tolerance stance on negligence in life-saving exercises.

Expanding the Scope: Tackling Neglected Tropical Diseases

Beyond immunization, the integrated campaign also includes the distribution of ivermectin for the prevention of Onchocerciasis (river blindness) in six LGAs — Tudun Wada, Madobi, Gaya, Kabo, Dambatta, and Garun Malam.

The Commissioner said Kano remains committed to achieving over 80% therapeutic coverage in endemic areas, in line with WHO guidelines for stopping mass drug administration. “This effort underscores our vision for a disease-free, productive population,” he added.

Improving Routine Immunization Performance

Kano’s immunization drive builds on recent progress made under the leadership of Governor Yusuf. According to national data (MICS/NICS 2021), Kano previously recorded low coverage for key antigens such as Penta-3 and Measles-1. However, sustained investments, partner support, and improved accountability mechanisms have led to measurable improvement as reflected in DHIS2 monthly reports.

Dr. Labaran explained that the ongoing MR campaign provides another vital opportunity to close immunity gaps and boost routine immunization uptake across the state.

Acknowledgement and Call to Action

The Commissioner expressed deep appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his visionary leadership in prioritizing public health, as well as to development partners — including FMOH, NPHCDA, WHO, UNICEF, AFENET, Gates Foundation, SOLINA, Chigari Foundation, Sultan Foundation, eHealth Africa, Rotary, IVAC, Core Group HANDS, C-WINS and others for their technical and financial support.

He also commended healthcare workers, traditional and religious leaders, LGA chairmen, and volunteers for their tireless frontline service.

“These vaccines are safe, free, and lifesaving,” Dr. Labaran concluded. “Together, we can make Kano State a model of immunization excellence in Nigeria and Africa.”

Kano: A Model for National and Global Health Leadership

With its large population, cultural influence, and robust public health network, Kano State continues to stand out as a key player in Nigeria’s journey toward disease eradication and child survival.

The Measles-Rubella campaign not only symbolizes Kano’s commitment to global health targets but also reflects its growing reputation as a state that delivers impactful, people-centered health interventions.

As the campaign continues, the message from Kano is clear — no child should be left unvaccinated, and no mother should suffer preventable loss.