Bomba Dauda
Primary healthcare centres across Southern Kaduna recorded a large turnout of residents as the first phase of Senator Sunday Marshall Katung’s free Viral Hepatitis B vaccination programme came to an end.
The three-day exercise, held from July 6 to 8, 2026, covered four local government areas—Zangon Kataf, Kaura, Jema’a and Jaba—with vaccination taking place at Primary Healthcare Centres in Kafanchan Centre, Asso, Zonkwa, Zango Urban, Manchok, Kagoro, Kwoi, Daddu and Gidan Waya.
Residents, including the elderly, students, traders and young parents, thronged the health facilities to receive the vaccine after undergoing the earlier Hepatitis B and C screening exercise.
At the Primary Healthcare Centre in Manchok, 43-year-old Rebecca Danjuma said she decided to get vaccinated after losing a neighbour to liver disease.
“I came early to get vaccinated because I don’t want to die and leave my children. May God bless Senator Katung. This is the first time we are seeing this kind of free healthcare in our community,” she said.
Health workers at the various vaccination centres described the turnout as encouraging, noting that many residents arrived early to participate in the programme.
Speaking at the conclusion of the first phase, the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to Senator Katung, Midat Joseph, said the initiative demonstrates the senator’s commitment to reducing the spread of Hepatitis B in Kaduna South Senatorial District.
According to him, the intervention was designed to save lives by providing free vaccination to residents who tested negative during the recent Viral Hepatitis B and C screening conducted across the district.
“The health of our people is wealth. This is why Senator Katung initiated this programme with the sole aim of saving lives, protecting families and giving our children a healthier future,” he said.
He disclosed that the second phase of the vaccination exercise will commence on July 13, 2026, covering the remaining four local government areas of Sanga, Kagarko, Kachia and Kauru.
The vaccination will take place at PHC Gwantu, PHC Fadan Ninzo, Kagarko Local Government Secretariat, PHC Jere, PHC Sabon Sarki, PHC Kachia, PHC Damakasuwa and PHC Kauru.
Residents across the senatorial district have continued to commend Senator Katung for bringing free preventive healthcare services closer to the grassroots, describing the initiative as timely and life-saving.
