By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Not fewer than 280,000 children under the age of Two are to be vaccinated against malaria as Bauchi State Government announced the introduction of the vaccine in a major step to reduce infant mortality.
The exercise was officially conducted by the State Primary Healthcare Development Board, through the Executive Chairman of the Board, Dr. Rilwanu Muhammad, during a Stakeholders engagement on malaria vaccine introduction held at the Board’s Conference Hall on Tuesday.
Rilwanu Muhamad commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for selecting Bauchi as one of the States in the second batch of the malaria vaccine rollout.
He noted that the vaccination exercise will officially commence on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
The EC explained that the vaccine is aimed at protecting children under Two years from the heavy burden of malaria, a disease he described as a “serious threat to both mothers and children.”
According to him, “Malaria contributes to miscarriages, anemia, underweight births, and other life-threatening complications in children.”
He cited the success recorded in Kebbi and Bayelsa States, where the vaccine was introduced in 2024, expressing optimism that Bauchi would record similar positive outcomes.
Rilwanu Muhammad assured residents that adequate doses have been distributed across health facilities to reach communities in every part of the state.
The Chairman called on traditional and religious leaders, parents, and other stakeholders to support the campaign by mobilizing communities and educating families on the importance of vaccinating eligible children.
However, he clarified that the current supply is limited to children under Two years and will not cover pregnant women or other children under Five .
Earlier, the State Health Educator, Alhaji Jibrin Muhammad Ribado, emphasized that Bauchi’s 2026 rollout, alongside Ondo State, builds on earlier successes in Kebbi and Bayelsa States.
He stressed that the programme’s success depends on strong collaboration with religious and traditional institutions, women’s groups, the media, civil society organisations, Parent-Teacher Associations, and educational institutions.
Also speaking, the Deputy State Health Educator, Alhaji Abubakar Dabo, said the stakeholders’ meeting was convened to sensitize participants, highlight the media’s role in public awareness, and secure broad based support for the vaccine introduction.
In his presentation, the representative of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Kamal Musa, revealed that Nigeria accounts for a significant proportion of global malaria-related child deaths, with hundreds of children dying annually from the disease.
He said the Federal Government recommended the malaria vaccine to reduce mortality and improve national development outcomes.
Kamal Musa outlined the vaccination schedule; the first dose at five months of age, the second at six months, the third at seven months, and the fourth at 15 months.
He urged health workers to verify each child’s age before administering the vaccine and to remind parents of subsequent appointment dates.
Stakeholders at the event unanimously pledged their commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the malaria vaccination campaign, aimed at safeguarding the health and future of Bauchi’s children.
Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, EC, BASPHCDB
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