Gov. Yusuf launches measles-rubella integrated campaign for Kano
Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State on Monday launched the state’s Measles-Rubella (MR) Integrated Campaign, saying it is historic and life-saving programme, which is the first of its kind in Africa.
Speaking at the ceremony at the Tofa Town in Tofa Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening routine immunisation and ensuring that no child in the state was left behind in the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases.
This is contained in a statement by Mr Ibrahim Shuaibu, the spokesperson for the state deputy governor, Alhaji Aminu Gwarzo on Monday in Kano.
Shuaibu said that the governor was represented by Gwarzo at the event.
He quoted Yusuf as saying that the campaign reflected his administration’s determination to safeguard the health and well-being of every child in the state.
“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 said that the campaign was christened “integrated” because it brought 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 remained the foundation of human capital development, saying that his administration would continue to make significant investments in healthcare infrastructure across the state.
Yusuf said that the Tofa Comprehensive Health Centre had been upgraded to a full Secondary Health Facility, with ₦250 million earmarked for its development. Similar projects, he said, were ongoing across all 44 LGAs of the 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.
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 reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to continue collaborating with the Federal Government, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the World Health Organisation, 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 said.
Yusuf appreciated 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.
Earlier in his address, the State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, appealed to parents to present their children and wards for the campaign.
