Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State on Monday launched the Measles-Rubella (MR) Integrated Campaign in Tofa Town, Tofa Local Government Area, describing it as a historic and life-saving initiative, the first of its kind in the African region.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Governor, represented by his deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening routine immunisation and ensuring that no child in Kano is left unprotected against vaccine-preventable diseases.
“Today’s event is not just a ceremony; it is a reaffirmation of our collective resolve to complement routine immunization services by reaching missed children with life-saving vaccines,” he said.
Governor Yusuf explained that the campaign is described as “integrated” because it combines several health interventions, including vaccinations against Measles, Rubella, Polio, and HPV, alongside mass drug administration for Onchocerciasis (River Blindness).
“This marks a major step forward for our state and our nation. It is proof that Kano is leading in innovation, coordination, and commitment to public health,” he added.
He noted that health remains the foundation of human capital development and disclosed that his administration continues to make significant investments in healthcare infrastructure.
Among such projects is the upgrade of the Tofa Comprehensive Health Centre to a full-fledged Secondary Health Facility, with N250 million allocated for its development. Similar projects, he said, are ongoing across all 44 Local Government Areas.
Governor Yusuf appealed to parents and caregivers to ensure their children receive all required vaccinations during the campaign.
“I want to personally urge every mother, father, and guardian to ensure your children are fully vaccinated. These vaccines are safe, free, and effective; they save lives. Let no child be left behind,” he said.
The governor also commended health workers and vaccination teams for their dedication, describing them as “the true champions of this campaign.”
He urged them to continue serving with humility and respect for the communities they reach.
“Your positive attitude will inspire more families to come forward. You are saving lives, and your efforts will never be forgotten,” he stated.
Reaffirming his government’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, AFENET, CHAI, and other partners, Governor Yusuf pledged continued efforts to strengthen Kano’s health system and improve immunization coverage.
“Together, let us ensure every household, every settlement, and every ward is reached. Let this campaign stand as a model for the rest of Africa, proof that when government, partners, and communities unite, no child is left behind,” he declared.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, appealed to parents to allow their children to benefit fully from the exercise.
Governor Yusuf concluded by appreciating development partners and stakeholders for their unwavering support and prayed for the success of the campaign, the well-being of Kano’s children, and the continued prosperity of the state and the nation.
