Albarka Radio pledges support for measles, rubella vaccination campaign in Bauchi

By Umar Sani Yakubu

Albarka Radio, Bauchi, has expressed its readiness to support health-related programmes, particularly the forthcoming measles and rubella vaccination campaign in the state.

The General Manager of the station, Dauda Muhammad Ciroma, gave the assurance when he received members of the Bauchi State Social Mobilisation Working Group at the station’s headquarters.

Ciroma said the radio station, being a private-owned media outlet, has consistently dedicated its platform to advancing public health campaigns through its multiple health programmes.

“Our station runs more than six dedicated health programmes, more than any other. Every Wednesday, we also dedicate a live phone-in programme to health issues. Albarka Radio is a partner you can always rely on when it comes to health advocacy,” he said.

While stressing the station’s commitment to supporting social causes, the General Manager noted that Albarka Radio had always maintained fairness in its services and would continue to complement the efforts of health agencies.

Earlier, the Bauchi State Health Educator at the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Muhammad Ribado Jibrin, explained that the vaccination exercise would run from October 18 to 29, 2025, targeting children across the state.

He noted that radio stations remain vital partners in disseminating information, especially to rural communities, adding that Albarka Radio’s wide coverage makes it a strategic ally in the campaign.

On his part, Dr Ali Sama’ila, Programme Officer of the Sultan Foundation, said the measles-rubella vaccination campaign is a critical health intervention, targeting children aged between nine months and 14 years.

“This is the first time Nigeria is fully implementing the rubella vaccine since it was introduced globally in 1979. Combining it with measles is necessary because of frequent misdiagnosis. Radio remains our most effective means of reaching the grassroots,” Sama’ila said.

Also speaking, Hafsat Abdulhamid Abdulsalam, a representative of ACE Strategy and Counselling Limited, emphasised the national importance of the campaign.

According to her, the exercise will integrate measles-rubella, HPV, and polio vaccinations, making it one of the most extensive immunisation campaigns in the country.

She added “Radio remains a key tool for information dissemination in rural areas where many households lack television. That is why we are seeking Albarka Radio’s support to sensitise communities.”

The forthcoming vaccination campaign is expected to last 12 days and will be carried out simultaneously across Bauchi and other states of the federation.