The Kogi Commissioner for Health, Dr Adams Abdulazeez, has called for stronger collaboration to protect children against Measles-Rubella (MR) disease in the state.

Abdulazeez made the call on Saturday in Lokoja during a one-day planning meeting with local government health educators and chairmen.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was part of preparations for the upcoming Integrated MR Vaccine Introduction, scheduled to take place across the state from October 4 to October 13.

The commissioner stressed the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding children from vaccine-preventable diseases.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to child health, pledging that no child in Kogi would be left behind.

Abdulazeez also commended local government stakeholders for their dedication, noting that their roles would be pivotal in achieving high vaccination coverage.

“This campaign is not just about vaccines; it is about saving lives and securing the future of our children.

“The government is fully committed to ensuring no child in Kogi is left behind.

“We are counting on the active support of our LGAs, community leaders, and parents,” he said.

The Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA), Dr Musa Mu’azu, expressed confidence in the state’s readiness to deliver a successful campaign.

Mu’azu said the meeting aimed to fine-tune strategies and ensure effective community mobilisation for the campaign.

“This exercise is a vital opportunity to protect our children from vaccine-preventable diseases.

“We have the plans, the personnel, and the partnerships in place.

“With the cooperation of our LGA teams and support from our partners, Kogi will achieve high coverage and set a benchmark for other states,” Mu’azu said.

He stressed that the October rollout of the MR vaccine was expected to reach thousands of children across the state, saying it would further strengthen Kogi’s fight against preventable childhood illnesses.

“The campaign aims to guarantee high coverage and protect children across Kogi from vaccine-preventable diseases,” he said.

The development partners at the meeting pledged their continued support and working hand-in-hand with the state to ensure the campaign’s success.

The participants commended Abdulazeez, Mu’azu and development partners for their leadership and support.

They emphasised the importance of collaboration to achieve high vaccine coverage and protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases.

They expressed confidence that the upcoming campaign would record great success and contribute significantly to improved health outcomes in the state.