By: Mukhtar Yahaya Shehu
Kano state government has reiterated its commitment in protecting the live of mothers, newborns and vulnerable populations through effective Immunization and strengthned primary healthcare services.
The state commissioner for health Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf stated this during the flag off of material and neonatal Tetanus (MNTC) campaign in kano.
He said maternal and neonatal tetanus remains one of the deadly but preventable diseases affecting mothers and newborns, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach communities where access to routine immunization services, antenatal care, and hygienic delivery practices may be limited.
“Despite global progress recorded over the years, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that thousands of newborns still die annually from neonatal tetanus, especially in low-resource settings. Hence, the need to intensify vaccination and other health care interventions.” Dr. Labaran said
According to the commissioner It is important to note that the Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination Campaign is aimed at vaccinating women of reproductive age, particularly women between the ages of 15 to 49 years, with tetanus toxoid-containing vaccines in order to protect both mothers and their babies from tetanus infection during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.
Adding that the campaign will also strengthen awareness on safe delivery practices, antenatal care attendance, clean cord care, and routine immunization services across communities.
“I am pleased to inform this gathering that Kano State has continued to make remarkable progress in strengthening immunization and Primary Health Care services through sustained government commitment and collaboration with development partners. Recent reports have shown increased efforts towards reaching underserved and zero-dose populations across the State, while integrated immunization interventions continue to improve service uptake in many community. As part of this MNTE Campaign scheduled to hold from 16th to 20th May 2026 Kano State Government, in collaboration with our development partners, will implement the exercise in eighteen (18) priority Local Government Areas identified as high-risk for Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus transmission.” The commissioner added.
According to the commissioner, the implementing LGAs include: Ajingi, Bagwai, Bichi, Dambatta, Dawakin-Tofa, Doguwa, Gabasawa, Garun-Malam, Gaya, Gezawa, Ghari, Kibiya, Makoda Minjibir, Rogo, Shanono, Takai and Wudil.
“During the campaign period, we are targeting 1,359,283 women of reproductive age through Fixed Posts located within our Primary and Secondary healthcare facilities and Temporary Fixed Posts (positioned strategically within our communities at district heads residence, schools, central markets, mosques and churches. The State Government has adequately mobilized vaccines, logistics, frontline health workers, supervisors, and community mobilizers to ensure that all eligible women are reached successfully during the exercise. The commissioner said.
Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf pointed out that Kano State Government has adequately mobilized health workers, vaccines, logistics, and community mobilizers to ensure that no eligible woman is left behind during the exercise.
The commissioner further said the campaign requires collective responsibility and community ownership.
“I therefore call upon all Local Government Chairmen, District Heads, Ward Heads, Religious Leaders, Community Leaders, Women Associations, Youth Groups, Health Educators, Media Houses, and Civil Society Organizations to intensify community mobilization and sensitization efforts to ensure maximum participation and acceptance of this intervention.” The commissioner urged
