Yobe SPHCB, UNICEF Train Media Ahead of Integrated Health Campaign

The Yobe State Primary Healthcare Board (SPHCB), in partnership with UNICEF, has engaged media practitioners ahead of the state’s integrated campaign against measles-rubella, polio, malaria, Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The campaign is scheduled to hold from October 18 to 23 across the state.

The session, held at the Medical and Health Workers Union Conference Hall in Damaturu, brought together journalists from both public and private media organisations.

Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr. Babagana Kundi Machina, represented by Health Promotion Officer Mohammed Kado, urged the media to help raise public awareness about the campaign to ensure maximum participation and success.

UNICEF’s Social and Behavioural Change Officer, Mr. Barka Darpi, said the introduction of the measles-rubella vaccine aims to close immunity gaps and reduce preventable childhood diseases. He revealed that Nigeria accounts for 54% of Africa’s polio burden and ranks second globally in measles cases after the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Darpi noted that the integrated approach would strengthen routine immunisation and reduce inequities in vaccine coverage.

Also speaking, the State Coordinator for Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Programme, Mr. Benjamin Abata, said the campaign would enhance efficiency and ease the workload on health workers. He emphasised the need for behavioural change, improved sanitation, and clean water access to curb disease spread.

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