Zamfara Commissioner Assures Safety of SMC Vaccine

Dr. Nafisa Mohammed Maradun, the Zamfara State Commissioner, confirmed during a press briefing in Gusau that the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) vaccine is both safe and free for residents. This year's vaccination exercise aims to reach 1.2 million children in the state.

The briefing, which took place on Saturday, highlighted the state's preparedness for the SMC initiative. Sani Aliyu, the SMC State Coordinator, noted that over 11,000 ad hoc staff, including community leaders and supervisors, have been engaged to facilitate the vaccination process across the state.

More than 500 government facilities will be utilized in the exercise, covering all 14 local government areas. Last year, the state successfully vaccinated 1.050 million children.

Dr. Bashir, the Zamfara State Chairman for Advocacy on Malaria, emphasized that despite the prevailing insecurity, no child would be overlooked, with arrangements made for house-to-house vaccinations and close supervision.