By: Mukhtar Yahaya Shehu
Kano state government has reassured its commitment to address maternal and Neonatal mortarlity challenges across the state.
The state commissioner for health Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf stated this during the flag off of Round 2 of maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Campaign in the state.
He said Kano state government has Kano state government has build on the progress recorded during Round 1 and renew its collective commitment to protecting women and newborns from tetanus, adding that Maternal and neonatal tetanus is deadly, but it is entirely preventable.
“By protecting a woman of reproductive age, we also give her newborn a safer start to life. This campaign is therefore not merely about administering a vaccine; it is about preventing avoidable deaths, protecting families and strengthening the health of our communities,” Dr. Labaran said.
According to the commissioner In May 2026, Kano State conducted the MNTE Corrective Supplemental Immunization Activity across 18 high-risk Local Government Areas, targeting women aged 15–49 years. A total of 906 vaccination teams, comprising 272 fixed-post teams and 634 temporary fixed-post teams, were deployed for five campaign days, followed by a two-day mop-up exercise to improve coverage and reach women who had initially been missed.
“The first round targeted 1,388,396 million women, of whom 1,339,871 million women were reported vaccinated, with an overall administrative coverage reported as 96.5 percent. Among the women vaccinated, 751,461 were aged 15–29 years, while 588,945 were aged 30–49 years.” Commissioner added.
Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf pointed out that this achievement reflects the dedication of vaccination teams, supervisors, community mobilizers, traditional and religious leaders, development partners and, above all, the women who came forward to protect themselves and their future children.
He also said the campaign also reached 10,139 of the 11,330 settlements planned for vaccination, representing 90 per cent settlement coverage. However, 1,191 settlements, or 10 per cent, remained unreached.
The commissioner further said these figures show that, although the first round achieved significant progress, government responsibility is not yet complete.
“Every unreached settlement may contain women who remain unprotected, and Round 2 provides us with an important opportunity to close these gaps and ensure that no eligible woman is left behind.During Round 1, non-serious Adverse Events Following Immunization were recorded.” Dr Labaran said
He also said all affected persons were managed in accordance with established vaccine-safety protocols, with appropriate referrals where required.
“This demonstrates that our surveillance and response systems are functioning and that the safety and well-being of every woman remain central to the campaign.As we commence Round 2, the State will intensify implementation across the same 18 high-risk Local Government Areas. Particular attention will be given to the settlements that were not reached during Round 1, as well as underserved and hard-to-reach communities.” He said
The commissioner said this is intervention will be brought closer to eligible women through health facilities and temporary fixed posts strategically located in communities, markets, schools, places of worship and other accessible locations.
“Our vaccines and essential logistics have been positioned, and vaccination teams, supervisors and community mobilizers are ready for the implementation of the exercise.” Dr Labaran added
The commissioner said Kano state government will strengthen supportive supervision, accurate documentation, community engagement and timely mop-up activities throughout the round to ensure quality implementation.We therefore call on every woman aged 15–49 years to receive the tetanus- containing vaccine offered during this campaign, even if she feels healthy.
He said the vaccine is free, safe and essential for protection against maternal and neonatal tetanus. Women who received a dose during Round 1 should also follow the advice of health workers and receive the next recommended dose needed to build stronger and longer-lasting protection.We appeal to husbands, parents and other family members to support eligible women to visit the nearest vaccination post.
Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf also a call upon Local Government Chairmen, traditional and religious leaders, District and Ward Heads, women and youth groups, civil society organizations, health educators and media houses to intensify public sensitization, address misinformation and assist vaccination teams in reaching every eligible woman.
” Our frontline health workers must continue to maintain the highest standards of safety, respect, accountability, accurate record-keeping and compassionate service.”
According to the commissioner Kano State Government, under the leadership of the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, remains firmly committed to protecting mothers and newborns through immunization, quality antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, clean delivery and cord-care practices, and strengthened Primary Health Care services.
“These interventions are essential to eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus and improving maternal and child survival across the State.We sincerely appreciate the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, UNICEF and other development partners for numerous to mention for their continued technical and operational support.” The commissioner said
“we urge all stakeholders and communities to give the campaign their full support. Together, we will close the remaining gaps, protect our mothers, safeguard our newborns and build a healthier Kano State.” Dr Labaran urged
