Zamfara State First Lady, Hajiya Hurriya Dauda Lawal, has described routine immunisation as an act of love and protection for children, saying it keeps them healthy and safeguards their future.

She stated this during the flag-off of the state-level advocacy campaign on routine immunisation and primary healthcare strengthening at the Dr Karima Primary Healthcare Centre, Tudun Wada, Gusau.

Hajiya Hurriya reminded mothers of the emotional and physical burden associated with caring for a sick child, stressing that prevention through vaccination is always better than cure.

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“We know the long nights, the fear, the prayers and the pain. We also know the relief that comes when our children grow strong and full of life. That is why we are here—to remind ourselves that prevention is better than cure,” she said.

The First Lady noted that vaccines remain one of the greatest gifts mothers can give their children, describing immunisation as “an expression of love, a shield of protection and an act of faith.”

She added that every vaccine from birth is essential, stressing that good health forms the foundation for a stable future.

While acknowledging progress in community acceptance of immunisation in Zamfara, she said more effort is needed to reach “zero-dose children”—those yet to receive any vaccines.

“More mothers are visiting primary healthcare centres, and more babies are receiving their vaccines. Our midwives and nurses continue to work tirelessly, even in remote communities. I deeply appreciate all our health workers; you are the true pillars of our communities,” she said.

As part of the campaign, wives of local government chairmen were decorated as “Mama Ambassadors” to promote immunisation awareness in their communities.

“They will remind mothers to bring their children for immunisation, attend antenatal care and maintain regular contact with health centres,” she said.

Hajiya Hurriya called on families, traditional rulers and religious leaders to support the campaign and encourage full participation in routine immunisation.

“The vaccines offered at the health centre are safe. Do not allow rumours or fear to stand between your child and protection. When one child is unvaccinated, others face danger too,” she said.

She urged community leaders to use their influence to reassure families, describing vaccines as “gifts from Allah, delivered through knowledge and science to preserve life.”

The Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Husseini Anka, said the First Lady’s intervention and the involvement of local government chairmen’s wives would significantly boost immunisation acceptance.

He noted that sustainability, not campaigns alone, is key to achieving long-term success in routine immunisation.

Also speaking, the CEO and Director of Gender at the Governor’s Spouses Forum, Hajiya Hauwa Halliru, commended the state government and the First Lady for prioritising child health.

“Immunisation is not just the government’s job; it is everyone’s responsibility—parents, leaders, and communities,” she said, reaffirming the forum’s readiness to support Zamfara in strengthening primary healthcare and ensuring no child is left behind.