Bauchi Rolls Out Malaria Vaccine for 280,000 Children Under Two

By Uzairu Dauda Bunga:

The Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board has announced the introduction of the malaria vaccine across the state, targeting 280,000 children under the age of two in a major step to reduce child mortality.

The Executive Chairman of the Board, Dr. Rilwanu Muhammad, made this known during a Stakeholders engagement on Malaria Vaccine introduction in Bauchi held at the board’s conference hall.

Dr Muhammad, 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.

Dr. Muhammad 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 miscarriage, anemia, underweight births, and other life-threatening complications.

He cited the success recorded in Kebbi State and Bayelsa State, where the vaccine was introduced in 2024, expressing optimism that Bauchi would record similar positive outcomes.

Dr 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 all 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.

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 Health Care 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.

Dr. 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.