Kaduna State will begin monkeypox vaccinations in selected areas following rising cases across multiple LGAs.
Health officials say high-risk groups will be prioritized during the 10-day vaccination campaign rollout.
The Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Board has revealed plans to roll out a monkeypox vaccination campaign across selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) experiencing outbreaks.
This was disclosed by Isah Yusha’u, Health Educator at the State Primary Healthcare Board, during a stakeholders’ engagement session held on Wednesday to discuss the planned introduction of the vaccine.
Yusha’u noted that multiple LGAs in Kaduna have reported notable cases of monkeypox, prompting the board to take proactive measures to curb the spread and protect residents.
He explained that the Federal Government, working with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and key development partners, has approved a reactive vaccination campaign targeting vulnerable populations.
“The vaccination is expected to begin around August 10 or 11 and will last for 10 days in the affected LGAs,” Yusha’u stated. “A second phase will follow after four weeks.”
He highlighted that the vaccine will be prioritized for high-risk groups, including laboratory workers who may have come into contact with infected materials, people with weakened immune systems, and individuals at risk due to certain sexual behaviors.
To ensure widespread awareness and acceptance, Yusha’u said the board is collaborating with traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, and healthcare institutions to disseminate accurate information and encourage community participation.
He called on the public to welcome the initiative, assuring that vaccine distribution would be carried out strategically to ensure the most impact.
“This campaign is a proactive step toward addressing the outbreak and protecting public health in Kaduna State,” he added.
Representatives from various sectors attended the meeting, including healthcare professionals, religious groups, social mobilization officers, unions, and the media.
Also speaking at the event, Abubakar Musa, Coordinator of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Kaduna North LGA, urged the public to embrace the vaccination campaign. Reflecting on the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, he emphasised the need for public cooperation.
Musa praised JNI’s efforts during COVID-19 in tackling misinformation and supporting safety measures, reaffirming the vital role of religious leaders in promoting health initiatives and ensuring they align with community values.
