Children Aged 9 Months to 15 Years to Receive Free Vaccine in October Rollout
The Katsina State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has flagged off a special sensitization campaign in 19 Local Government Areas identified as high-risk for Measles-Rubella (MR) infection, in preparation for the nationwide introduction of the MR vaccine scheduled for October this year.
The targeted LGAs include: Katsina, Kaita, Jibiya, Batagarawa, Batsari, Safana, Kankara, Faskari, Sabuwa, Funtua, Musawa, Rimi, Charanchi, Kankia, Mani, Mashi, Daura, Baure, and Bindawa.
According to the State Director of NOA, Muntari Lawal Tsagem, the campaign is vital given the devastating effects of Measles-Rubella on children — including blindness, deafness, brain damage, and even death in severe cases, especially among infants of infected mothers.
Tsagem noted that the awareness drive is aimed at garnering grassroots support and ensuring the success of the upcoming vaccination campaign, which will target children aged 9 months to 15 years. He stressed that the vaccine is safe and will be administered free of charge.
“Parents and caregivers must take this opportunity seriously. Immunizing our children is the best way to protect their future,” Tsagem said.
NOA is also partnering with traditional leaders, religious institutions, health officials, and the media to spread the message far and wide, ensuring no child is left behind in the fight against Measles-Rubella.
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