Taraba Identifies Six LGAs With High Maternal, Neonatal Tetanus Cases

Six of the 16 local government areas in Taraba State have been identified as having high cases of maternal and neonatal tetanus, prompting plans for intensified interventions to eliminate the preventable disease.

The affected local government areas are Gashaka, Gassol, Lau, Ibi, Ussa and Sardauna, according to the Taraba State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

The state was also identified as having the highest risk of maternal and neonatal tetanus in the North-East, with six of the 28 high-risk local government areas across the five states in the region located in Taraba.

The disclosure was made at a stakeholders’ meeting held ahead of the commencement of the Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination campaign in the state.

The Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr Nuhu Tukura, said the campaign would run from September 28 to October 2, focusing on increased awareness, stronger immunisation coverage and improved access to maternal and newborn healthcare.

He said maternal and neonatal tetanus remained a concern, particularly in communities where women have limited access to antenatal care, skilled birth attendants, hygienic delivery practices and tetanus vaccination.

Tukura said health workers, community leaders and other stakeholders would be involved in reaching women of reproductive age, particularly those in underserved communities.

He added that eligible women of childbearing age and newborns would receive tetanus vaccination during the exercise, while vaccination against diphtheria would also be administered.

The Programme Officer of Chigeri Foundation, Mohammed Sale, called for greater collaboration with traditional and religious leaders to build trust and encourage eligible beneficiaries to participate in the campaign.

A representative of the World Health Organisation also warned against misinformation, urging stakeholders to ensure that accurate information was communicated clearly and consistently.

The media were encouraged to take relevant information directly to communities and address concerns that could discourage people from participating in the vaccination exercise.

Traditional rulers, religious leaders, women’s associations and private school representatives pledged to support the campaign and work with health authorities to reach eligible beneficiaries.