Kaduna Set to Launch Mpox Vaccination in Affected Local Governments

The Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Board (SPHCB) has unveiled plans to commence a targeted Mpox vaccination campaign in Local Government Areas (LGAs) impacted by the recent outbreak.

Isah Yusha’u, Health Educator at the SPHCB, disclosed this on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting on the introduction of the monkeypox vaccine in the state.

Yusha’u explained that the board is taking proactive measures to contain the spread of the disease and protect residents. He noted that several LGAs have reported a significant number of Mpox cases, prompting the need for intervention.

In response, he said the Federal Government, alongside the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and development partners, has approved reactive vaccination for high-risk populations.

“The vaccination exercise is scheduled to begin tentatively on Aug.10 or 11, and will run for 10 days in the selected LGAs.”

“A second round of vaccinations will follow four weeks later,” Yusha’u said.

Priority will be given to high-risk groups, including laboratory personnel handling infected specimens, immunocompromised individuals, and those with high-risk sexual behaviour.

To ensure public acceptance, the board is engaging traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and medical institutions.

“To ensure the success of this vaccination drive, we are engaging traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and medical institutions.”

“This is to provide accurate information, address concerns, and encourage public acceptance of the vaccine,” he said.

Yusha’u urged residents to embrace the vaccination campaign, assuring that distribution will be strategic for maximum impact.

“By launching this campaign, the board is taking proactive steps to combat the Mpox outbreak and safeguard public health,” he added.

The stakeholders’ meeting brought together health workers, religious leaders, social mobilisation officers, trade union representatives, and media practitioners.

Abubakar Musa, Coordinator of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Kaduna North LGA, also spoke at the event. Drawing from lessons during COVID-19, he called for public cooperation in the Mpox vaccination effort.

Musa highlighted JNI’s role in dispelling misinformation during the pandemic and supporting safety measures. He reaffirmed the importance of religious leaders in public health initiatives and JNI’s commitment to aligning health concerns with religious practices.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the engagement aimed to foster collaboration and ensure a smooth rollout of the vaccination campaign.