UNICEF, others partner Bauchi Govt to fight against Childhood Killer diseases 

By Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi 

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO), E-Health Africa, International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC), and other organizations have partnered with the Bauchi State Government to improve immunization coverage and strengthen fight against childhood killer diseases. 

The collaboration comes during the flag-off of the 2025 Measles-Rubella and HPV Vaccination Campaign.

Speaking during the flag-off of the vaccination campaign, the council boss of Bogoro Local Government Area, Yakubu Lawi Sumi, Chairman of Bogoro Local Government Area described immunization as one of the most powerful and cost-effective public health interventions capable of saving millions of lives each year. 

He said that preventing diseases like measles and rubella remains the responsibilities of every parent and caregiver.

According to him, said “The health of our children defines the strength of our future,” he said. 

“I therefore call on all parents and caregivers across Bogoro to present their children aged 9 months to 5 years for vaccination. Let no eligible child be left behind.”

Sumi reaffirmed his administration’s full commitment to ensuring total community coverage, promising to mobilize local stakeholders, traditional leaders, and community volunteers for maximum participation.

The council boss expressed his appreciation to the state governor, Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir for the support in strengthen healthcare delivery systems across the state.

He thanked the state government, UNICEF and others organizations for their technical expertise, logistics support, and sustained collaboration in improving child and maternal health outcomes.

On his part, Godwill Hakuri who is the local government Director of primary health care department, described the campaign as a practical demonstration of the government’s dedication to equitable healthcare access for all citizens, regardless of location or social class.

He said that the 12-day exercise will be conducted simultaneously across all the 13 wards that formed the local government, together with vaccinators and health personnel deployed for the vaccination campaign. 

He further said that the campaign is not only about vaccines but also protection, and the future of the children.

While Peter Amede of the International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC) expressed delight over the level of preparedness and local government support witnessed in Bogoro.

Amede thanked the administration of Sumi for creating an enabling environment for successful public health initiatives, adding that such commitment significantly boosts public confidence in vaccination programs.

He said that “Vaccines are safe, free, and life-saving,”. Urge all caregivers to bring their eligible children to the nearest vaccination post. 

He further said that immunization remains one of the most effective shields against childhood diseases.”

Speaking on behalf of the traditional leaders, the Village Head of Bogoro, Nuhu Tafida expressed his appreciation to Governor Bala Muhammed Abdulkadir, the local government Chairman and the organizations for coming up of the vaccination campaign. 

He said that the vaccination campaign is a life-saving intervention that will reduce childhood mortality in the local government.