Jigawa First Lady Lead High-Level Meeting to Bolster Measles-Rubella Vaccine Campaign
By Abdulhamid Sani
DUTSE, Jigawa State – April 30, 2025 – Key stakeholders converged in Dutse today for a crucial sensitization meeting focused on the strategic importance and introduction of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine in Jigawa State. Held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, the high-profile event underscored the state’s commitment to enhancing child health and immunization coverage.
The meeting was prominently attended by Her Excellency, Hajiya Hadiza Umar Namadi, the First Lady of Jigawa State, whose presence signaled strong political will. She was joined by other distinguished guests, including the wives of the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Head of the Civil Service, and Honourable Commissioners.
Crucial health sector leadership was represented by Directors from the Ministry of Health overseeing Primary Health Care (PHC), Planning, Research, Statistics, Monitoring and Evaluation (PRSME), Administration and Finance, and the Deputy Director of Public Health. Programme managers and focal persons for initiatives like SEMCHIC, Adolescent Health, and Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA) were also actively involved.
Highlighting the collaborative effort required, the engagement saw participation from vital development partners and technical experts. Representatives included Dr. Saadatu Ringim from the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), officials from the National Orientation Agency (NOA), WHO, UNICEF, Association for Sustainable Development Initiatives (ASDI), the C-WINS Northwest Zone Consultant, Vaccine Network, Solina, and Corona Management Systems.
Deliberations during the meeting emphasized the critical need for sustained immunization efforts across the state. Participants focused on developing strategic community engagement approaches to bolster public confidence and ensure successful uptake of the Measles-Rubella vaccine. There was a strong reaffirmation of the collective commitment among all stakeholders to advance child health outcomes through coordinated, community-led health interventions.
Speaking to Public Eye News after the meeting, Comrade Musbahu Basirka, the Jigawa State Lead for the Vaccine Network, praised the initiative and the First Lady’s leadership. “The significant commitment shown by Her Excellency, Hajiya Hadiza Umar Namadi, is a highly welcome development,” Basirka commented. “It signals strong optimism that Jigawa will achieve its ‘zero dose’ immunization goals.” He expressed gratitude towards the Jigawa State Government and the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (JSPHCDA) for their dedication to the cause.
This sensitization meeting marks a significant step forward in Jigawa’s ongoing efforts to protect its children from vaccine-preventable diseases through the effective introduction of the Measles-Rubella vaccine.
About The Author
