In the heart of Kebbi State, Nigeria, a major initiative has been launched to combat the scourge of malaria that has for years brought terror and grief to many families. The Kebbi State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the state Primary Health Development Agency (PHCDA), has launched the rollout of malaria vaccination for children aged five to eleven months. This event marks a major step forward in the fight against this deadly disease that has long been a major challenge for the community.
The launching ceremony was officially inaugurated by Deputy Governor Umar Abubakar-Tafida, who expressed deep regret at the ravages of malaria, a disease that has had devastating consequences on the health and well-being of our communities. This milestone in the battle against the disease is a symbol of hope and a testament to Kebbi State’s unwavering commitment to protecting the health of its people. The current administration is focused on ensuring access to healthcare, promoting medical interventions and addressing pressing health challenges affecting communities.
The implementation of malaria vaccination is part of this overall vision to reduce preventable diseases, particularly malaria, and create a healthier and more resilient population. This initiative, combined with other malaria control measures such as Seasonal Antimalarial Chemotherapy (SMC) and distribution of treated mosquito nets, will undoubtedly significantly reduce the burden of malaria in Kebbi. The Deputy Governor stressed the importance of cooperation by all stakeholders to protect children, families and communities from the scourge of malaria.
He also commended the health professionals and traditional leaders for their commitment and tireless efforts that led to this watershed moment. He expressed appreciation to the National Primary Health Development Agency for its leadership in the fight against malaria in Nigeria, as well as the World Health Organization and other international partners for their technical and financial support. This valuable collaboration paves the way for a continued fight to eliminate malaria and other communicable diseases.
The State Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Yunusa Ismail, noted that malaria has been one of the major health challenges in the region for many years. He stressed the need to join forces to eradicate malaria through vaccination, a critical tool in this fight. In this regard, Gwandu Emirate is committed to actively supporting this initiative in order to achieve the goals set in Kebbi State.
This malaria vaccination rollout represents a major milestone in the fight against this deadly disease, and offers a glimmer of hope for a healthier and more prosperous future for the people of Kebbi State and beyond. The fight against malaria is a daunting one, but it is encouraging to see such strong mobilization to protect the health of the population and work towards eliminating this devastating disease.