The Sokoto State Government will on October 6 launch a 10-day vaccination campaign aimed at protecting about two million children from deadly but preventable diseases such as measles, rubella, and polio.
In preparation for the exercise, the state government, in partnership with UNICEF, the World Health Organisation, the European Union, Gavi, and other development partners, organised a one-day media roundtable to equip journalists, on-air personalities, social media influencers, and EU reporters with the skills needed to mobilise residents for the campaign.
The workshop, held on Friday at the Emergency Operations Centre of the State Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, comes ahead of the statewide vaccination exercise, which will run simultaneously across all 23 local government areas.
UNICEF’s media representative in Sokoto, Mr. Salaudeen Bello, said the campaign is designed to ensure children are protected against life-threatening but preventable diseases.
He explained that children between nine months and 14 years will receive the measles-rubella vaccine, while those aged 0 to 59 months will be given the polio vaccine.
According to Bello, a total of 1,378 vaccination teams have been mobilised to cover every ward, village, and settlement in the state. The teams will operate through fixed posts at health facilities, house-to-house visits, and mobile “sweep teams” to make sure no child is left out.
“Our target is to vaccinate approximately two million children. This is a huge task that requires the active support of parents, caregivers, health workers, traditional rulers, and community leaders,” Bello said.
He stressed that vaccination remains the safest and most effective way to protect children, noting that diseases like measles and polio can cause permanent disability, brain damage, pneumonia, and even death if not prevented.
The campaign will kick off in Bodinga Local Government Area before spreading to the rest of the state. Vaccination posts will also be set up in schools to increase coverage.
Bello called on the media and influencers to use their platforms to spread awareness, describing them as vital in driving public participation.
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The Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency and the Ministry of Health also reaffirmed their commitment to working with partners and the media to ensure maximum coverage and eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases.
“This is about safeguarding the future of our children. By bringing them out for vaccination, parents are not only protecting their families but also helping to build a healthier Sokoto State,” Bello added.
