The Jigawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (JSPHCDA) said it is intensifying Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilisation (ASSM) for the next round of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination exercise.

The agency’s spokesperson, Ya’u Muhammad, said in a statement in Dutse on Wednesday that the effort was part of preparations for the 10-day state-wide exercise scheduled for October 6.

He said the 27 local government teams had embarked on similar advocacy to sensitise influential persons, council chairmen, traditional leaders, community members and security agencies to the exercise.

Mr Muhammad said the ACSM activities would enhance awareness creation, dispel misconceptions, broaden acceptability and mobilise communities to achieve successful immunisation coverage.

He said, “In continuation of these efforts, a sensitisation meeting with education secretaries and desk officers from the 27 LGAs was held recently.

“The meeting, chaired by the state’s Health Promotion Officer, Mr Sani Yusuf-Kachi, was attended by top officials of the agency and development partners.”

According to Mr Muhammad, the agency and partners will continue to play a vital role in promoting health and safeguarding the wellbeing of children across the state.

The exercise would target children from nine months to 14 years, while children between zero and 59 months would benefit from other integrated interventions.

(NAN)