The Kano State Government has officially launched a massive Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination (MNTE) campaign targeting over 1.3 million women of reproductive age.
The five-day exercise, which runs from May 16 to May 20, 2026, aims to eradicate the deadly but preventable disease, particularly in high-risk and underserved communities.
Speaking today at the Kano Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), the Honourable Commissioner for Health declared the campaign open, emphasizing the administration’s unwavering commitment to maternal and child survival under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
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The commissioner said the Maternal and neonatal tetanus remains a severe health threat to mothers and newborns, especially in remote areas where access to routine immunization and hygienic delivery practices is limited.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), thousands of newborns still die annually from the infection.
The MNTE campaign targets women aged 15 to 49 years with tetanus toxoid-containing vaccines.
This vital intervention protects both mothers and their babies during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.
Beyond vaccination, the drive will promote critical health education regarding: Antenatal care attendance,Skilled and hygienic delivery practices,Clean cord care,Routine childhood immunization.
He however said that to maximize the impact of the intervention, the Kano State Government and its development partners have identified 18 priority Local Government Areas (LGAs) classified as high-risk for tetanus transmission.
The campaign will be aggressively rolled out in the following LGAs of Ajingi, Bagwai, Bichi, Dambatta, Dawakin-Tofa, Doguwa, Gabasawa, Garun-Malam, Gaya, Gezawa, Ghari, Kibiya, Makoda Minjibir, Rogo, Shanono, Takai and Wudil.
Dr Labaran appreciated the efforts of development partners contributions which include NPHCDA, WHO, UNICEF, ROTARY, AFENET, Core Group, Sultan, Chigari, SOLINA and Gates Foundation for their continuous technical support towards strengthening immunization and maternal health services in Kano State.
The success of this campaign requires collective responsibility and community ownership. I therefore call upon all Local Government Chairmen, District Heads, Ward Heads, Religious Leaders, Community Leaders, Women Associations, Youth Groups, Health Educators, Media Houses, and Civil Society Organizations to intensify community mobilization and sensitization efforts to ensure maximum participation and acceptance of this intervention he said”,
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And then commended the effort of frontline health workers and vaccination teams whose sacrifices, resilience, and dedication continue to sustain healthcare delivery services across the State.
He urge all eligible women, especially pregnant women and women within the reproductive age bracket, to take advantage of this important campaign by visiting designated vaccination posts and health facilities to receive the tetanus vaccine free of charge.
