The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has stepped in to support a targeted malaria vaccination campaign in Bauchi State. The agency supplied 350 doses of the malaria vaccine and the necessary logistics to launch the programme for young children.
Officials announced the intervention at an official event in Bauchi. The ceremony was led by the First Lady of Bauchi State, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, and took place at the Urban Maternity facility. UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Bauchi, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, spoke about the operational plan and objectives for the campaign.
Dr. Rafique outlined the vaccination schedule and set clear coverage expectations. “And I hope, Inshallah, the target of 280,000 children in Bauchi State will be reached with the full package of malaria vaccination four doses. That is the first dose and the second dose one month apart and then second and the third one month apart and then the fourth dose is at the booster after six months. So ideally, five, six, seven months and then 15 months of age of the children will get these malaria doses.”
This structured dosing regimen reflects an analytical approach to building immunity in infants and young toddlers. By setting defined intervals, the campaign maximises the likelihood of effective immune response and long‑term protection within the vulnerable age group.
Mobilisation of community support forms a core component of the campaign strategy. The Bauchi office of UNICEF called on organised groups and local influencers to drive turnout at vaccination points. “But I would especially like to request in one minute all Mama2Mama support group, my sisters and Fathers for Good Health (F4H), all, to please, motivate all the families to come to the health facilities where malaria vaccine is being given.”
UNICEF’s leadership further urged traditional and community leaders to amplify messaging at grassroots level. “So, please do that. All traditional leaders, they are also requested to please boost the communities to come and take this malaria vaccine.” This focus on broad social mobilisation recognises that institutional vaccination supplies must be paired with demand‑side engagement to drive meaningful coverage.
UNICEF also acknowledged the role of state government authorities in creating an enabling environment for the rollout. The organisation commended Bauchi State’s proactive stance on programmes that benefit children and mothers.
A World Health Organisation (WHO) specialist present at the event emphasised the health rationale behind the campaign. As one of the states with the highest malaria burden in the northeast, Bauchi faces elevated child mortality risk from malaria. Strengthening immunisation against this disease is a strategic countermeasure.
Several partners have joined the effort, including global health foundations and implementation projects committed to improving child health outcomes in high‑burden settings.
In sum, this initiative represents a calibrated public health investment by UNICEF and partners to reduce malaria incidence among young children in Bauchi, underpinned by systematic dosing, community outreach, and multi‑stakeholder engagement.
