The Zamfara State Government is set to start vaccinations for measles, rubella across the state by October 2025.

The state governor’s wife, Huriyya Lawal, spoke while inauguration of sensitisation campaign for the vaccination drive, in Gusau on Saturday.

Mrs Lawal said that the new vaccine was designed to prevent measles and rubella among children between nine months and 15 years.

According to her, in the first phase, the vaccines will be administered to children of ages nine to 15 years and the subsequent immunisations will cover children from nine months to five years of age.

She thanked the development partners for their kind support in addressing the health challenges affecting children in the state.

In his remarks, a paediatric consultant with the Department of Pediatrics, Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, Dr Ibrahim Hano, described measles and rubella as killer diseases among children.

According to him, measles and rubella cause blindness, glaucoma, brain disorder and heart diseases among children, if they are not immunised.

He stated that effective sensitisation of the public, training of health personnel, educating parents during clinical services as well as providing effective nutrition to children were required.

Also speaking, the Emir of Anka and Chairman, Council of Chiefs, Attahiru Ahmad, commended the state government and the development partners for their effective commitment to healthcare delivery.

He promised to give total support to the dissemination of information on the immunizations and sensitize the residents to the need to immunise their children against the killer diseases.
(NAN)