The Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Board has announced plans to roll out a monkeypox vaccination campaign in Local Government Areas most affected by the outbreak.
Health Educator Isah Yusha’u disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday, emphasizing proactive measures to contain the disease and protect residents.
Yusha’u revealed that several LGAs have reported a significant number of cases, prompting the Federal Government, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and development partners to approve reactive vaccination for high-risk groups.
“The vaccination exercise is scheduled to begin tentatively on Aug.10 or 11, and will run for 10 days in the selected LGAs. A second round of vaccinations will follow four weeks later,” he said.
Priority will be given to laboratory personnel handling infected specimens, immunocompromised individuals, and those with high-risk sexual behavior. Yusha’u stressed the importance of community engagement, stating, “To ensure the success of this vaccination drive, we are engaging traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and medical institutions. This is to provide accurate information, address concerns, and encourage public acceptance of the vaccine.”
He assured residents of a strategic and targeted distribution process, urging full cooperation. “By launching this campaign, the board is taking proactive steps to combat the monkeypox outbreak and safeguard public health,” he added.
The stakeholders’ meeting included health workers, religious leaders, social mobilisation officers, trade union representatives, and media. Abubakar Musa, Coordinator of Jama’atu Nasril Islam in Kaduna North LGA, drew parallels to COVID-19, urging public support for the vaccination effort.
Musa highlighted JNI’s past role in dispelling misinformation during the pandemic and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to promoting health initiatives while respecting religious practices. The campaign marks Kaduna’s latest effort to curb infectious diseases through community-inclusive strategies.
