Kaduna Takes Maternal, Child Health Services to 255 Wards, Launches HPV Vaccination Campaign
By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has commenced the first phase of the 2026 Integrated Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) alongside the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, targeting thousands of women, children and adolescent girls across the state.
Flagging off the exercise at a Primary Health Care Centre in Ikara Local Government Area, the Deputy Governor said the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to reducing preventable maternal and child deaths and improving access to life-saving healthcare services.
She noted that despite progress in the health sector, many families, especially in underserved communities, still face challenges accessing essential health interventions.
According to her, the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week provides a platform for delivering critical services directly to communities while also expanding protection against cervical cancer through HPV vaccination.
The Deputy Governor explained that the five-day exercise, scheduled to run from June 8 to 12, will be implemented across all 255 wards in Kaduna State through more than 1,000 public and private health facilities, with all services offered free of charge.
She said beneficiaries will receive routine immunization, HPV vaccination for nine-year-old girls, nutrition screening, Vitamin A supplementation, deworming, maternal supplements, HIV testing, and treatment for common childhood illnesses.
Highlighting the importance of community participation, she called on traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to support mobilisation efforts and encourage parents and caregivers to take advantage of the programme.
She stressed that many maternal and child deaths are linked to preventable diseases and conditions that can be addressed through timely access to healthcare services and immunization.
The Deputy Governor also commended development partners and health sector agencies for their continued support towards improving health outcomes in Kaduna State before formally declaring the 2026 Integrated Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week and HPV vaccination campaign open.
The exercise is expected to boost immunization coverage, improve nutrition outcomes, and strengthen efforts to protect girls against cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women.
