From HASSAN JIRGI Maiduguri
First Lady of Borno State, Falmata Zulum, has called on community leaders, particularly women influencers in rural areas, to spearhead awareness efforts and dispel vaccine hesitancy.
She has taken a leading role in promoting public health by hosting a high-level sensitisation meeting on the upcoming Measles-Rubella, MR, and Human Papillomavirus, HPV, vaccination campaign in the state.
She disclosed this at the Government House, Maiduguri, during a one-day event convened by wives of local government chairmen, traditional rulers, women groups and key health stakeholders.
According to her, the meeting, supported by Nigeria Governors Forum, aims to galvanise grassroots advocacy for the effective rollout of these life-saving vaccines.
Dr Zulum emphasised that MR and HPV vaccines represent more than a health policy—they are a lifeline for children and adolescent girls.
She added that the introduction of MR and HPV vaccines is not just policy, it is a commitment to save lives,” she said.
Technical insights were presented by the Zonal Technical Consultant for C-WINS, Dr Ahmad Gana, who discussed MR disease trends, while the State Immunisation Officer, Alhaji Maina Modu, outlined the HPV vaccine implementation strategy.
Executive Secretary of Borno State Primary Health Care Development Board, BSPHCDB, Professor Muhammad Alhaji and other health experts highlighted the importance of community engagement to ensure vaccine acceptance.
The sensitisation also featured goodwill messages from UNICEF and the World Health Organisation, WHO, reinforcing development partners commitment to immunisation equity and health system strengthening.
The Shehu of Bama urged traditional institutions to help counter misinformation and promote accurate health education within their communities.
The initiative demonstrates the Borno State government’s strategic focus on inclusive, community-driven public health advocacy to reduce preventable diseases and achieve equitable access to essential vaccines.
