The Kaduna State Government has said that it will immunise one million children under the age of five years against measles.
The government said it would achieve this goal through the state Primary Health Care Development Agency (KDPHCDA) with the support of stakeholders.
Malam Hamza Ikara, the Deputy Director, KDPHCDA; said during the state media sensitisation meeting on Tuesday in Kaduna.
Ikara said the exercise, would be conducted on in two phases in the state and would last between Oct 26and Oct 31.
“We are starting our measles immunization campaigns in the state and it would be conducted on two phases.
“The first phase is starting Oct. 26 to 31 with 13 local government areas which includes Kaduna South, Kaduna North, Ikara, Giwa, Igabi, Chikun, Kubau, Makarfi, Kudan, Birin Gwari, Sabo gari Zaria while the second phase commence between November 2 to 7 with 10 local government .
He said the immunization is taking place in all the 1,168 facilities and that adequate arrangements have been made by the state government and development partners to achieve the desired result on total eradication of measles in the state.
“The state government has approved the sum of 38 million Naira for the measles campaign as a counter part funds and other development partners are also assisting with training of workers and supervisors.
“We have concluded arrangements to ensure that mother treks more than one kilometer to get her child immunised.
“We want to achieve 95 to 100 per cent compliance to ensure total eradication of measles this is because the last exercise conducted in the state we achieve only 30 per cent.
According to him, the state have arranged for a fixed post where the immunisation would take place for six days and a temporary post consisting of schools, churches, mosques, traditional ruler house.
He said that other interventions would be provided at health camps especially at the high risk areas.
Ikara called on parents and caregivers to ensure they avail their children for measles immunization .
“Ensure you take your children between ages nine months to five years to be vaccinated against measles in all government facilities and vaccination post nearest to you.
“The vaccination is free, safe and effective,” he added.
He also called on media for increase awareness on the need to ensure compliance with the vaccination adding that it will prevent from contracting diseases that easily affect children.
