By Muhammad Nasir Bashir
The Jigawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (JSPHDA) is set to begin a Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign across the 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) on Oct. 6.
This was announced in a statement issued to newsmen by the spokesman of the agency, Mr Ya’u Muhammad, on Saturday in Dutse.
Muhammad said the agency, with support from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and development partners, had conducted a two-day state-level training in preparation for the upcoming integrated MR vaccination campaign.
He explained that the training was aimed at equipping the participants with the necessary knowledge and skills for effective implementation of the campaign in each of the LGAs.
The spokesman listed Primary Health Care PHC Managers, Local Immunisation Officers (LIOs), Cold Chain Officers (CCOs) and Health Promotion Officers (HPOs) as part of those to be trained.
Others are, Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNO) Monitoring and Evaluation Officers (M&EOs) Routine Immunisation Officers (RIOs) and development partners.
The Director Primary Health Care in the state, Alhaji Hassan Shuaibu, urged the participants to remain committed, dedicated and result-oriented in ensuring the success of the campaign in their respective LGAs.
Muhammad added that the training also focused on monitoring and evaluation, implementation in security-compromised settlements.
He added that it also focused on the use of Geographical Information System (GIS) cold chain, logistics, demand promotion, data management, and coordination for the MR vaccine switch.
“The agenda also includes budget review, CommCare process, training plans and conclude with evaluation, post-test and next steps.
“The participants are expected to hold planning meetings in their respective LGAs and cascade the training to the lower levels to ensure proper preparation ahead of the campaign,” Muhammad said.
He added that the MR vaccination campaign, expected to begin on Oct. 6, would last for 10 days across 27 LGAs of the state, targeting children from nine months and 14 years, while children between zero and 59 months, would benefit from other integrated interventions.
“Therefore, parents and caregivers are strongly encouraged to present their eligible children at the designated vaccination posts during the campaign, to ensure they are protected against measles, rubella and other childhood diseases.
The spokesman also quoted the Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr. Shehu Sambo as reaffirming the state’s commitment to safeguarding child health.
“This campaign is a vital step toward eliminating measles and rubella in Jigawa state. We call on all parents and caregivers to take full advantage of this opportunity, by bringing their eligible children for vaccination.
“Together, we can protect our children and secure a healthier future for our communities,” he quoted Sambo as saying.
He revealed that development partners, which included representatives of NPHCDA, WHO, UNICEF, AFENET, JSI, IVAC, Solina, NI-ABAE, Sultan Foundation and Chigari Foundation attended the meeting.
