Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State on Monday launched the Measles-Rubella (MR) Integrated Campaign at Tofa Town in Tofa Local Government Area, describing it as a historic and life-saving initiative, which is the first of its kind in the African region.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening routine immunisation and ensuring that no child in the state is left behind in the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Represented by his deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, Governor Yusuf said the campaign reflects the government’s determination to safeguard the health and well-being of every child in Kano.
Today’s event is not just a ceremony; it is a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to complement routine immunisation services by targeting missed children and providing an additional opportunity to reach them with life-saving vaccines,” he said.
The governor explained that the campaign is termed integrated because it brings together several health interventions, including vaccinations against Measles, Rubella, Polio, and HPV, as well as mass drug administration for Onchocerciasis (River Blindness).
“This is a major step forward for our state and our country and proof that Kano is leading the way in innovation, coordination, and commitment to public health,” Yusuf added.
He emphasised that health remains the foundation of human capital development, noting that his administration continues to make significant investments in healthcare infrastructure across the state.
Governor Yusuf revealed that the Tofa Comprehensive Health Centre has been upgraded to a full Secondary Health Facility, with ₦250 million earmarked for its development. Similar projects, he said, are ongoing across all 44 Local Government Areas of Kano State.
Appealing to parents and caregivers, the governor urged them to ensure their children receive all vaccinations during the campaign.
“I want to personally appeal to every mother, father, and guardian to please ensure your children are fully vaccinated. These vaccines and medicines are safe, free, and effective. They save lives. Let no child be left behind,” he stated.
Governor Yusuf also commended health workers and vaccination teams for their dedication, urging them to continue serving with patience, humility, and respect for the communities they work in.
“You are the true champions of this campaign. Your positive attitude will encourage more families to come forward and trust the process. You are saving lives, and your efforts will never be forgotten,” he said.
He further reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to continue collaborating with the Federal Government, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, AFENET, CHAI, and other partners to strengthen the state’s health system and improve immunisation coverage.
“Together, let us ensure that every household, every settlement, and every ward is reached. Let us make this campaign a model for the rest of Africa, showing that when government, partners, and communities unite, no child is left behind,” he declared.
Governor Yusuf concluded by appreciating development partners and stakeholders for their continued support and prayed for the success of the campaign, the well-being of Kano’s children, and the prosperity of the state and the nation.
In his address earlier, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, appealed to parents to allow their children to benefit fully from the exercise.
