The Katsina directorate of the National Orientation Agency has launched a special sensitisation campaign on the importance of the measles-rubella vaccine.

Muntari Lawal-Tsagem, NOA’s director in Katsina, confirmed this in a statement issued to journalists in Katsina on Monday.

He explained that the campaign will be held across 19 of Katsina’s 34 LGAs.

The 19 LGAs (Katsina, Kaita, Jibia, Batagarawa, Batsari, Safana, Kankara, Faskari, Sabuwa, Funtua, Musawa, Rimi, Charanchi, Kankia, Mani, Mashi, Daura, Baure, and Bindawa) have been identified as high-risk zones for rubella measles infections, necessitating urgent intervention.

Mr Lawal-Tsagem said the campaign aims to ensure the smooth introduction of the Measles Rubella Vaccine in Nigeria by October. He noted that the campaign is crucial, given the disease’s severe impact on infants and young children.

“The disease causes blindness, deafness, mental disability, and even death in children born to infected mothers,” Mr Lawal-Tsagem said. 

He stressed that NOA is mobilising community support to ensure a successful immunisation campaign. Children between nine months and 15 years will be immunised against the disease nationwide.

Mr Lawal-Tsagem urged parents and caregivers across the state to ensure their children receive the vaccine. According to him, the vaccine is safe and will be administered free of charge.

(NAN)