CSM: Sokoto communities appeal for extension meningitis vaccination campaign

Gbolahan Salman

The Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) vaccination campaign sweeping through Sokoto and Kebbi States is gaining strong momentum as it enters its sixth day, with enthusiastic turnout and growing calls for its extension.

Targeting high-risk areas such as Jega, Gwandu, and Aleiro LGAs in Kebbi, and Tambuwal and Shagari LGAs in Sokoto, the campaign has vaccinated thousands of children and drawn widespread community backing—despite isolated setbacks. One such incident occurred at Horo Model Primary School in Shagari, where Headmaster Malam Abubakar Umar declined to allow the use of his school as a vaccination point, raising concerns among health workers. Discussions are ongoing to resolve the matter.

In Tambuwal alone, over 277,200 children have been earmarked for immunization. Recent figures show strong turnout: 107 children vaccinated at Government Day Secondary School Shagari, 100+ at Shehu Shagari Memorial Primary School, 240 at Nassarawa Tudu, and 175 at Nassarawa Rafi Primary School.

UNICEF, in partnership with WHO, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision, has been instrumental in supporting the campaign with vaccines, logistics, and mobilization.

Tambuwal Immunization Officer Nuraddeen Abubakar attributed the high compliance rate to intensified community awareness and praised traditional and religious leaders for their grassroots mobilization efforts.

The outbreak, first reported in Garin Alasan—a border community in Kebbi State—has since spread to nearby towns like Barkeji, Sanyinna, and Jabo. So far, over 198 cases have been confirmed, with eight child fatalities. Of the total cases, 116 have been discharged, four referred, and five remain unaccounted for.

Health teams, often exhausting their supply of vaccines before the day’s end, are appealing for additional doses to meet rising demand. “We run out almost every day. The need is urgent,” said Nura Shagari, Area Health Enlightenment Officer.

Commending the effort, Shagari LGA Chairman Alhaji Maiwada Kajiji applauded frontline health workers and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency for coordinating the intervention despite harsh conditions.

Local school officials echoed support. Malam Saidu Mudi, Vice Principal of Government Day Secondary School Shagari, noted students’ eagerness to receive the vaccine and urged UNICEF to extend the campaign. Huzaifa Umar Shagari, Deputy Headmaster of Shehu Shagari Memorial Primary School, praised parental cooperation and stakeholder commitment to protecting children’s lives.