The Emir of Kontagora, Alhaji Muhammadu Bara Muazu II, and the Emir of Kagara, Mallam Ahmed Garba Gunna Attahiru II, have pledged to mobilise their communities for a measles and rubella vaccination campaign.

The traditional leaders made the commitment during the launch of an advocacy and sensitisation drive by the Niger State Ministry of Primary Health Care in their domains.

The emirs promised to sensitise parents on the importance of the vaccines and encourage them to allow their children to be vaccinated.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Mohammed Gana, said the campaign, supported by the World Bank, aims to immunise children against measles, rubella, and polio.

According to him, “The initiative is part of the state’s commitment to proactive public health measures under Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s administration.”

The Project Manager of the IMPACT campaign, Hamza Tijani, emphasised the importance of comprehensive immunisation to minimise morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases.

Also, health experts, Dr Junaidu Innuwa and Dr Hauwa Nnatako, highlighted the severity of measles and rubella, while assuring that the vaccines will be administered free of charge to children.

Niger traditional rulers to mobilise communities for Measles, Polio, Rubella vaccination drive