The Jigawa State Government in collaboration with Global Fund Nigeria (GFN) will vaccinate a total of 8,850 children against malaria in Jahun Local Government Area of the State.
This was disclosed by Malam Ghali Iguda, the Primary Health Care Unit Manager in Jahun.
In addition to the malaria prevention drugs, the area has also received 194,250 Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) for free distribution across its ten political wards.
Malam Iguda noted that a Social Mobilisation Committee has been constituted by the local council to conduct a massive public enlightenment campaign.
He said that this initiative is aimed at encouraging residents to vaccinate their children.
“The Social Mobilization Committee organized enlightenment campaigns on the importance of the vaccine, the age of the targeted children, and how to use ITNs,” he stated.
He said that 548 teams have been formed to facilitate the distribution of the ITNs and the administration of the malaria vaccines to children below five years.
“We are at the peak of mosquito breeding season with stagnant water prevalent, and people are in dire need of the drugs and treated nets. The distribution is a partnership between the government and the Malaria Consortium aimed at curtailing the menace of malaria,” Iguda added.
He urged parents of children aged 3-59 months to ensure their children receive the complete four-dose course of the drugs and to use the nets to protect their families from malaria.
