The First Lady of Zamfara State, Hajiya Hurriya Dauda Lawal, has officially launched a comprehensive statewide advocacy campaign aimed at boosting routine immunisation coverage across the state.
Flag-Off at Gusau Health Centre
The significant event was held at the Doctor Karma State Primary Healthcare Centre in the Tudun Wada area of Gusau, the state capital, on 21 November 2025. During her address, the First Lady framed immunisation as a profound act of care, describing it as "an expression of love, a shield of protection, and an act of faith."
She passionately appealed to mothers, stating that safeguarding a child's future begins with ensuring their good health through complete vaccination. "If the children are vaccinated, we are therefore expressing love to them and we are safeguarding their future," she declared.
Progress and the Push to Reach 'Zero-Dose' Children
Hajiya Hurriya acknowledged the progress made in Zamfara, with more mothers utilizing primary healthcare centres and more babies receiving their vital vaccines. She paid special tribute to the state's health workers, calling them "the true pillars of our communities" for their tireless efforts, even in remote areas.
However, she issued a strong call to action, highlighting the urgent need to reach "zero-dose children"—those who have not received any vaccines. "These are not statistics; they are babies in our villages, babies who can be protected if their mothers are informed, encouraged, and guided," she emphasized, noting that this campaign is specifically designed for them.
Mama Ambassadors and Community-Wide Responsibility
A key strategy of the campaign is the inauguration of "Mama Ambassadors"—the wives of local government chairmen. These ambassadors are tasked with taking the immunisation message directly into the heart of every community. Their mission is to encourage mothers to bring their children for vaccination, attend antenatal care, and maintain regular contact with health centres.
The First Lady strongly reassured the public about vaccine safety, stating that the vaccines used protect against life-threatening diseases like measles, polio, diphtheria, and tetanus. She warned against allowing rumours to prevent children from getting this crucial protection.
She also broadened the responsibility beyond mothers, stating that immunisation is a duty for the entire family and community. She called on religious and traditional leaders to use their influential positions to guide their followers, describing vaccines as "gifts from Allah, delivered through knowledge and science to preserve life."
In her concluding remarks, Hajiya Hurriya Lawal charged her fellow women to be mothers of faith and courage, and she blessed all parents and health workers contributing to the noble cause of protecting every child in Zamfara State.
