Charles Akpeji, Jalingo

Council chairmen across 16 local government areas in Taraba State have been tasked with taking full ownership of the upcoming measles-rubella vaccination campaign scheduled for October 2025.

The call was made on Saturday in Jalingo during a planning meeting organised by the Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency (TSPHCDA) with support from UNICEF.

The session, held at the NIN Hotel multipurpose hall, as observed by The Guardian, brought together council chairmen and health educators to strategise for the exercise.

Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr. Tukura Nuhu, emphasised that achieving the desired 95 per cent coverage would require council chairmen to spearhead awareness creation, mobilise stakeholders, and work closely with Primary Health Care departments in their respective areas.

He noted that the success of the recently concluded HPV vaccination exercise in the state was proof that collective effort could yield impressive results. “Council chairmen must go the extra mile to ensure eligible children are vaccinated,” he said, urging them to engage traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community groups in the campaign.

Responding on behalf of the council chairmen, Vice Chairman of ALGON in the state, Dauda Agbu, pledged full commitment to the programme.

“This campaign is very dear to us. We will participate fully and ensure its success at the councils level,” he assured.

Also speaking, IVAC State Technical Assistance, Maryamu H. Kwajaffa, stressed the role of the media in dispelling myths and misconceptions about the vaccine, urging journalists to use their platforms to promote acceptance and compliance across the state.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has estimated that the target population for the campaign represents nearly half of Nigeria’s population, underscoring the importance of strong leadership at the local government level for the exercise to succeed.