The First Lady of Borno State, Her Excellency Dr. Falmata Babagana Umara Zulum, has called on community leaders, particularly women influencers in rural areas, to spearhead awareness efforts and dispel vaccine hesitancy.
The first lady made the call while playing a leading role in promotion of public health by hosting a high-level sensitization meeting on the upcoming Measles-Rubella (MR) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaigns in the state.
She disclosed this at the Government House Multipurpose Hall in Maiduguri, during a one-day event convened wives of Local Government Chairmen, traditional rulers, women’s groups, and key health stakeholders.
According to her the meeting, supported by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, aimed to galvanize grassroots advocacy for the effective rollout of these life-saving vaccines.
Dr. Falmata Zulum emphasized that the MR and HPV vaccines represent more than a health policy—they are a lifeline for children and adolescent girls.
She added that the introduction of MR and HPV vaccines is not just policy—it is a commitment to saving lives,” she said.
Technical insights were presented by Dr. Ahmad Gana, Zonal Technical Consultant for C-WINS, who discussed MR disease trends, and Alhaji Maina Modu, State Immunization Officer, who outlined the HPV vaccine implementation strategy.
Prof. Muhammad Arab Alhaji, Executive Secretary of the Borno State Primary Health Care Development Board (BSPHCDB), and other health experts highlighted the importance of community engagement to ensure vaccine acceptance.
The sensitization also featured goodwill messages from UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), reinforcing development partners’ commitment to immunization equity and health systems strengthening.
His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Bama, urged traditional institutions to help counter misinformation and promote accurate health education within their communities.
The initiative demonstrates the Borno State Government’s strategic focus on inclusive, community-driven public health advocacy to reduce preventable diseases and achieve equitable access to essential vaccines.
Leave a Reply