By Muhammad Sani Mu’azu
The First Lady of Bauchi State, Hajia Aisha Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has officially flagged off the introduction of the malaria vaccine into the routine immunization schedule across the state. She was represented at the ceremony by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Hajiya Asma’u Auwal Jatau, on Thursday, 5th March, 2026.
Addressing dignitaries, health officials, traditional and religious leaders, and members of the press, the First Lady described the event as a historic milestone in the state’s effort to protect children and pregnant mothers from malaria, a disease responsible for countless deaths globally. She noted that Nigeria accounts for 27% of the estimated 597,000 annual malaria-related deaths among children under five worldwide.
“The introduction of this safe and effective malaria vaccine is a bold step towards reducing these deaths, easing the financial burden on families, and changing the narrative of malaria in our communities,” she said.
The First Lady announced that the vaccine is now available in all Primary Health Care facilities in the state. Health workers have been trained, and communities mobilized to ensure smooth implementation. She emphasized that the vaccine is safe, effective, and free of charge.
Urging parents and caregivers to take children under 20 months to the nearest health facility, she advised that all four doses of the vaccine be administered for full protection.
Hajia Aisha Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed also expressed gratitude to the state government, led by her husband, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, health workers, volunteers, and community mobilizers for their support in ensuring that no child is left behind.
She concluded by calling on all stakeholders to actively support the campaign and promote the malaria vaccination program across every community, with the shared goal of making Bauchi State malaria-free.