NPHCDA, Kaduna, UNICEF Holds Media Orientation Ahead of Measles-Rubella, Polio Campaign

By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna 

Kaduna State Government have engaged journalists in a media orientation ahead of the nationwide Measles-Rubella (MR) and Polio immunization campaign, scheduled to officially kick off tomorrow.

The orientation aimed to equip media practitioners with accurate information about the campaign, clarify misconceptions about vaccines, and emphasize the role of the press in educating the public.

The drive will target children aged 9 months to 14 years, while routine immunization services continue to safeguard younger children.

Speaking on behalf of the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Abdullahi Garba, State Incident Manager, highlighted the dangers of measles, rubella, and polio, urging journalists to help communities understand that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent severe illness and lifelong disability.

“Your role is critical to ensure caregivers understand the importance of vaccination and bring their children to health centers,” Dr. Garba said.

Elizabeth Hassan, Senior Technical Officer at the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), noted that the campaign is part of Nigeria’s largest immunization exercise, reaching 106 million children nationwide. 

She explained that the rubella component is being introduced for the first time in public facilities, and the MR vaccine will replace measles-only vaccines from tomorrow.

Hadiza Muhammad Sani, Communication, Advocacy, and Partnership Assistant at UNICEF Kaduna Field Office, encouraged youths, parents, and community leaders to actively support the campaign. 

She emphasized that immunization protects not only individual children but entire communities, highlighting the need to counter misinformation and ensure every eligible child is vaccinated.

Health officials called on journalists to amplify accurate, science-based messages ahead of the campaign. 

The MR and Polio campaign officially begins tomorrow, with teams ready to reach children in both schools and communities across Kaduna State.

The media orientation was organised by the NPHCDA in partnership with the Kaduna State, supported by, WHO UNICEF and other partners.