The Kano State Government in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have flagged off Round 2 of the Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination (MNTE) Campaign, with focus on 18 high-risk Local Government Areas across the state.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Commissioner for Health Abubakar Labaran said the new round builds on the successes recorded during Round 1 conducted in May 2026.
According to him, 1,339,871 women out of 1,388,396 targeted, representing 96.5% coverage, were vaccinated during the first round. A total of 906 vaccination teams were deployed to reach women aged 15 to 49 years.
The Commissioner disclosed that the campaign reached 10,139 out of 11,330 planned settlements, representing 90% settlement coverage, while 1,191 settlements were not reached.
He said “Round 2 will prioritize those unreached communities as well as underserved and hard-to-reach areas. Vaccination will be conducted at health facilities and temporary fixed posts in markets, schools, and places of worship.”
“Maternal and neonatal tetanus is deadly, but it is entirely preventable. By protecting a woman of reproductive age, we also give her newborn a safer start to life.”
“This campaign is therefore not merely about administering a vaccine; it is about preventing avoidable deaths, protecting families and strengthening the health of our communities.” the Commissioner stated.
He added that In May 2026, Kano State conducted the MNTE Corrective Supplemental Immunization Activity across 18 high-risk Local Government Areas, targeting women aged 15–49 years.
He urged all women aged 15–49 years to take the free and safe tetanus vaccine, adding that those who received a dose in Round 1 should also take the next dose for stronger protection.
Labaran appreciated NPHCDA, UNICEF, WHO, Rotary, AFENET, CORE Group, Solina, Gates Foundation and other partners for their support.
Ahmad Sorondinki
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