Sokoto Steps Up Immunization Campaign After Deadly Meningitis Outbreak Kills Children
The Sokoto State Government, in partnership with Sightsavers Nigeria, has intensified vaccination and preventive health efforts following a meningitis outbreak that has killed 33 children across the state.
The renewed response comes weeks after reports of suspected cerebrospinal meningitis in several communities, where children were reportedly dying daily. The outbreak has raised serious child protection and safeguarding concerns, especially in rural areas with limited access to healthcare.
State Commissioner for Health, Dr Faruk Abubakar-Wurno, said the intervention forms part of an emergency immunization campaign aimed at preventing more child deaths and improving disease control in vulnerable communities.
Emergency Campaign Targets 1.2 Million Children
The campaign is being implemented under the Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance of Mass Administration of Azithromycin on Children in Nigeria project, also known as SARMAAN.
Health officials said the programme targets about 1.2 million children between zero and 59 months across the 23 local government areas of the state.
According to child health experts, the outbreak has exposed major gaps in child survival systems. Many rural communities still struggle with delayed diagnosis, poor healthcare access, and inadequate medical support.
As a result, children remain highly vulnerable during disease outbreaks.
Experts warn that weak healthcare infrastructure and poverty can quickly turn preventable illnesses into fatal emergencies for children.
Calls for Community Support
During a media engagement in Sokoto, the Director of Advocacy at the Sokoto State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Mr Kamaru Gada, urged journalists and community leaders to support public sensitization on immunization, tetanus prevention, and antibiotic administration.
Sightsavers officials also stressed the need for stronger community participation. They noted that traditional rulers and local government authorities play an important role in encouraging vaccine acceptance at the grassroots level.
Meanwhile, the Sultan of Sokoto, represented by the District Head of Wurno, reaffirmed support for the campaign.
He described the fight against meningitis and other childhood diseases as a shared responsibility requiring urgent collective action.
Child protection stakeholders say the vaccination drive is a critical step toward preventing further loss of young lives in high-risk communities.
