The Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Board has announced plans to begin a monkeypox vaccination campaign in selected Local Government Areas experiencing active outbreaks of the disease.
This was disclosed by the Board’s Health Educator, Isah Yusha’u, during a stakeholders’ engagement session held on Wednesday in Kaduna.
The meeting brought together religious leaders, civil society groups, trade unionists, and healthcare professionals to prepare for the introduction of the vaccine.
According to Yusha’u, the vaccination campaign is expected to kick off on August 10 or 11 and will last for ten days in the affected LGAs. A second round of vaccinations is scheduled to follow four weeks later.
“This is a reactive vaccination strategy approved by the Federal Government in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and development partners,” he said.
He emphasized that the campaign would prioritize high-risk groups. These include laboratory personnel who may have come into contact with infected specimens, individuals with compromised immune systems, and those with high-risk sexual behaviour.
To ensure broad community acceptance, Yusha’u said the Board is engaging traditional rulers, religious leaders, medical institutions, and civil society organisations. “This is to provide accurate information, address any concerns, and encourage public uptake of the vaccine,” he added.
ALSO READ: DRC, Sierra Leone, Uganda dominate Mpox cases
Kaduna has reported a notable number of monkeypox cases across several LGAs, prompting swift government action to prevent further spread.
“By launching this campaign, the board is taking proactive steps to combat the monkeypox outbreak and safeguard public health,” Yusha’u said, urging residents to accept the vaccine in good faith.
Also speaking at the event, Abubakar Musa, Coordinator of Jama’atu Nasril Islam in Kaduna North, called on the public to support the initiative. Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted the critical role religious and community leaders play in fighting disease outbreaks and promoting vaccine confidence.
Musa reiterated JNI’s commitment to balancing religious practices with public health needs and pledged support in curbing misinformation around the monkeypox vaccine.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the stakeholders’ meeting included media representatives, social mobilisation officers, and key health workers, forming a joint front in the state’s response to the monkeypox outbreak.
Monkeypox, also known as mpox, is a viral illness that spreads through close contact and can cause fever, rash, and other flu-like symptoms. Health authorities are urging the public to remain alert and follow official guidelines as vaccination begins.
