“Jigawa Calls on Media to Ignite Immunization Awareness and Combat Vaccine Hesitancy”
Jigawa State has urged the media to amplify public awareness initiatives regarding the significance of immunisation, with the objective of eradicating non-compliance throughout the state.
The State Immunisation Officer, Dr. Shehu Ibrahim, issued the appeal during a one-day mass mobilisation discussion on the polio initiative and routine immunisation, coordinated by the State Primary Health Care Development Agency in partnership with UNICEF Kano Field Office.
The gathering united journalists, social media advocates, youth promoters, and U-Reporters to assess the outcomes of the recent March polio initiative and deliberate on tactics for enhancing caregivers’ faith, vaccine acceptance, and public comprehension of the significance of immunisation.
He mentioned that the state had inoculated approximately 2.5 million children under five during the latest initiative, achieving 116 per cent of the target, which he described as an indication of increasing commitment to child health within the state.
He observed that, despite ongoing awareness activities involving the media, traditional institutions, and religious figures, there were still instances of vaccine refusal in certain local government areas.
As per his remarks, each of the 27 local government areas is anticipated to achieve at least 95 per cent immunisation coverage, yet some councils fell short of this necessary standard.
Shehu revealed that the state documented 5,421 instances of non-compliance during the campaign, of which 4,950 were effectively addressed, leaving 471 unresolved cases.
He emphasized that enhanced collaboration with the media remains crucial to combat misinformation, foster public confidence, and ensure that every eligible child receives life-saving vaccines.
Representing working journalists, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Muhammad Zangina, committed to strengthening public education on the importance of the vaccine for children’s survival.
The journalist also vowed to continue engaging in the planning and execution of the vaccination campaign for generating demand and feedback, facilitating more effective policy development.
