Katsina, UNICEF Boost Protection for Mothers and Newborns Against Tetanus

The Katsina State Primary Health Care system, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched a focused initiative to eradicate maternal and neonatal tetanus. The effort centers on a week-long Tetanus-Diphtheria (TD) vaccination drive in the Kaita Local Government Area, specifically targeting women of childbearing age, defined as 15 years and older.

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People used to believe the vaccine was only for married women. We now educate them that every woman from the age of 15 is eligible because tetanus does not wait until marriage.

The vaccination campaign, which commenced on July 20 and concludes on July 27, aims to immunize eligible girls and women against tetanus, a preventable disease that poses significant risks to both mothers and newborns. Health officials are actively working to dispel misconceptions surrounding the vaccine, particularly the erroneous belief that it is exclusively for married or pregnant women. "People used to believe the vaccine was only for married women. We now educate them that every woman from the age of 15 is eligible because tetanus does not wait until marriage," stated Sada Hashiru, Routine Immunisation Provider and Officer-in-Charge at Unguwar Tsamiyya Health Clinic.

Integrating the TD vaccination with existing routine immunisation services has proven effective in increasing uptake. Health facilities strategically place vaccination posts within routine immunisation clinics and Outpatient Therapeutic Programme (OTP) centers. This approach allows health workers to administer the TD vaccine to eligible mothers while they are present for their children's vaccinations or other health services. "Many women come here to immunise their children, and before they proceed for the children’s vaccines, we administer the TD vaccine to eligible mothers. This arrangement has helped us reach more women without asking them to make another visit," Hashiru explained.

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Many women come here to immunise their children, and before they proceed for the children’s vaccines, we administer the TD vaccine to eligible mothers. This arrangement has helped us reach more women without asking them to make another visit.

Supervising health officials describe the exercise as a vaccination intensification, designed to boost coverage among women who may have missed previous doses. The strategic placement of vaccination posts ensures convenience for women from various communities accessing health services. Beneficiaries have expressed satisfaction, noting the clear explanations provided by health workers about the vaccine's importance. Aisha, a 17-year-old recipient, stated, "I thought it was only for pregnant women, but now I understand it protects my future children and me."

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I thought it was only for pregnant women, but now I understand it protects my future children and me.