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Several residents in Southern Kaduna communities turned out in large numbers at Primary Health Centres (PHCs)) for the first phase of Senator Sunday Marshall Katung’s free Viral Hepatitis B vaccination program.

The 3-day vaccination exercise which ended on July 8, 2026 covered Four Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Zangon Kataf, Kaura, Jema’a, and Jaba, with the vaccination points at PHCs in Zonkwa, Zango Urban, Manchok, Kagoro, Kwoi, Daddu, and Gidan Waya.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser, Media to Senator Katung, Joseph Midst, several of those who received the vaccination, expressed relief.

At PHC Manchok, a 43-year-old Rebecca Danjuma said, “she had lived in fear for years after a neighbor died of liver disease.”

“I came early to get vaccinated because I don’t want to die and leave my children. May God bless Senator Katung. This is the first time we are seeing this kind of free healthcare in our community,” she added.

Also in Zonkwa, “the elderly, young fathers, students, and market women closed their stalls for a few hours just to get screened and vaccinated. Health workers described the turnout as overwhelming but encouraging.”

However, speaking at the end of Phase One of the exercise, the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to Senator Katung said, “the intervention reflects the Senator’s unwavering commitment to curb the spread of hepatitis in Kaduna South Senatorial District.”

“The health of our people is wealth. This is why Senator Katung initiated this program with the sole aim of saving lives, protecting families, and giving our children a healthier future,” he explained.

“The screening and vaccination is strictly for individuals who tested negative during the recent Viral Hepatitis B & C screening exercise conducted across the district”, he added.

According to him, “Phase Two of the program is scheduled to begin on 13th July 2026 and will cover the remaining 4 LGAs, Sanga, Kagarko, Kachia, and Kauru. Vaccination points include PHC Gwantu, PHC Fadan Ninzo, the Kagarko LGA Secretariat, PHC Jere, PHC Sabon Sarki, PHC Kachia, PHC Damakasuwa, and PHC Kauru”.

The statement added that “residents across the district have continued to express happiness and gratitude to Senator Katung for bringing healthcare closer to the people”.