BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, JUNE 03, 2025 | 01:44 PM
The First Lady of Borno State, Dr. Falmata Babagana Umara Zulum, has launched an awareness campaign ahead of the state’s rollout of the Measles-Rubella (MR) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programs.
The campaign officially commenced with a high-level sensitization meeting at the Government House, Multipurpose Hall in Maiduguri, on Tuesday.
The event drew participation from key influencers, including the wives of local government chairmen, traditional rulers, women's groups, health experts, and development partners.
With a clear call to action, Dr. Falmata Zulum urged communities to rise above vaccine hesitancy and prioritize the health of children and adolescent girls.
'Vaccines save lives—we must educate our communities,' she declared in her keynote address.
'The MR and HPV vaccines are not merely public health interventions—they are our promise to protect the future of our children.'
Backed by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the meeting emphasized grassroots mobilization and community ownership in driving vaccine uptake, particularly in rural areas where misinformation often hinders access.
Health experts at the forum provided valuable technical insight.
Dr. Ahmad Gana, Zonal Technical Consultant for C-WINS, outlined the trends and dangers of Measles-Rubella infections.
Alhaji Maina Modu, State Immunization Officer, detailed implementation plans for the HPV vaccine, targeting adolescent girls as a critical step in preventing cervical cancer.
Prof. Muhammad Arab Alhaji, Executive Secretary of the Borno State Primary Health Care Development Board, highlighted the need for trust-building and local collaboration.
Development partners including UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) delivered goodwill messages reaffirming their commitment to equitable immunization access and stronger health systems in Borno.
Traditional institutions also pledged their support.
Speaking at the event, His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Bama, called on traditional leaders to combat harmful myths and promote accurate health information within their domains.
State officials, including Hon. Zuwaira Gambo, Commissioner for Women Affairs, and Hon. Sugun Mai Mele, Commissioner for Local Government and Emirates Council Affairs, reiterated the government’s commitment to maternal and child health through sustained collaboration and community engagement.