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Kaduna Ramps Up Efforts to Combat Measles and Rubella with Statewide Vaccine Rollout
.Kaduna Ramps Up Efforts to Combat Measles and Rubella with Statewide Vaccine Rollout
Kaduna State has pledged to integrate the Measles-Rubella (MMR) vaccine into its next statewide immunisation campaign, as part of a broader effort to curb the spread of preventable childhood diseases.
Governor Uba Sani, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, made the announcement on Thursday during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement focused on the introduction of the MMR vaccine into routine immunisation across the state.
Dr. Balarabe lauded the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) for leading the national push to include the MR vaccine in routine immunisation schedules. She described the initiative as “a bold step in the right direction, aimed at giving every child in Nigeria a fighting chance at life.”
“As a medical doctor and public servant, I understand the crucial role immunisation plays in shaping the future of our society,” she said. “A healthy child today means a more productive adult tomorrow.”
Emphasizing the shared responsibility of disease prevention, the Deputy Governor called on all stakeholders—health workers, community and religious leaders, policymakers, donor agencies, parents, and government officials—to work collaboratively to safeguard the lives of children.
“The government cannot win this battle alone,” she said. “We must all rise to the collective responsibility of fighting this disease together.”
Providing an update on the current health landscape, Dr. Balarabe disclosed that “as at January 31, 2025, 627 suspected measles cases were recorded in 213 local government areas across 30 states of our dear country.”
The First Lady of Kaduna State, Mrs. Hafsat Uba Sani, also addressed the gathering, urging mothers to take routine vaccination seriously for the health and safety of their children. She further encouraged traditional and religious leaders, as well as local government chairmen and their spouses, to lead sensitisation efforts in their communities.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Umma Ahmad, underscored the ongoing threat of vaccine-preventable diseases. “Measles and rubella remain serious public health concerns, particularly for our most vulnerable populations—children under five and pregnant women,” she said.
The event brought together key stakeholders to chart a path forward for the successful rollout of the MMR vaccine and reinforce the state’s commitment to improving child health outcomes through immunisation.
Diaspora
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 90
HOOORAY! IT’S 90TH EDITION OF DIASPORA WATCH NEWSPAPER
Diaspora Watch Newspaper announces the release of its landmark 90th edition, delivering a compelling mix of global politics, diaspora engagement, energy transition, innovation, and culture, carefully curated to inform and engage its diverse international readership.
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Leading this edition is the thought-provoking headline, “Is Trump’s Security Being Tested?”, which takes a critical look at evolving security concerns surrounding the United States President, Donald Trump, raising questions about political stability and institutional preparedness in a charged electoral climate.
In a major diaspora spotlight, the edition features “US-based Retired Veterans Honor Obi of Onitsha With U.S. County Key,” capturing a symbolic moment of cross-continental recognition and cultural diplomacy, as distinguished Nigerian traditional leadership receives accolades abroad.
Global climate diplomacy takes center stage in “60 Nations Meet in Colombia to Push Fossil Fuel Exit Amid COP Deadlock,” highlighting renewed international efforts to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels despite ongoing negotiations under the COP framework.
Africa’s industrial ambitions are further explored in “Dangote Plans 650,000bpd Refinery in East Africa, Seeks Regional Backing,” detailing strategic expansion moves poised to reshape the continent’s energy landscape and strengthen regional economic integration.
On the innovation front, “Japan Unveils First Commercial Hydrogen-Blended Gas Engine for Power Generation” underscores technological advancements aimed at reducing carbon emissions and advancing sustainable energy solutions globally.
The edition also examines developments within the United States defence establishment in “US Navy Secretary Phelan Sacked Amid Pentagon Rift,” shedding light on internal policy disagreements and their implications for military leadership.
Diplomatic and cultural discourse is captured in “Ruto’s ‘Nigerian English’ Remark Sparks Diplomatic-Style Social Media Backlash,” reflecting how language, identity, and public commentary intersect in today’s digital diplomacy landscape.
Health innovation across the Caribbean is explored in “AI, Genomics Offer Path to Transform Caribbean Health – CARICOM SG,” presenting emerging opportunities for data-driven healthcare transformation within the region.
On the back page, readers are treated to a cultural highlight with “Met Gala 2026: Beyoncé, Kidman, Others to Co-Host as Vogue Unveils Theme, Details,” offering insights into one of the world’s most anticipated fashion events and its global influence.
As Diaspora Watch Newspaper marks this significant milestone, the 90th edition reaffirms its commitment to delivering credible, insightful, and impactful journalism that bridges continents and amplifies diaspora voices.
Stay informed and ahead of the curve with the 90th edition of Diaspora Watch where we the complex dynamics shaping our world and provide insights into the stories that matter.
Diaspora
POLITICS
Fifteen foreign nationals deported from the United States, mostly believed to be South Americans, have arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) under a temporary hosting arrangement that is already drawing international attention and debate over migration policy and diplomatic cooperation.
The deportees landed at N’djili International Airport in Kinshasa in the early hours of Friday, according to airport sources who confirmed that the group was largely made up of Colombian and Peruvian nationals.
The arrangement marks the first known batch of deportees sent to the Central African nation under a broader US policy of relocating “third-country migrants”, individuals returned to a country that is neither their origin nor initial destination.
A Congolese government source said the individuals were admitted under short-stay permits and in line with national immigration laws governing the entry and residence of foreigners.
However, authorities stressed that the arrangement is strictly temporary. “The individuals concerned are admitted to the national territory under short-stay permits, in accordance with national legislation concerning the entry and residence of foreigners,” the government stated, while offering no additional details about the identities or conditions of the deportees.
Kinshasa had earlier defended its decision to participate in the arrangement, describing it as consistent with its commitment to human dignity, migrant protection, and international solidarity.
Officials were quick to clarify, however, that the agreement should not be interpreted as a long-term relocation scheme or a form of outsourced migration control.
The United States, under its ongoing immigration enforcement policy, has expanded the practice of transferring deportees to third countries. Similar arrangements have reportedly been made with Ghana, South Sudan, and Eswatini, as Washington intensifies its crackdown on irregular migration.
Although the US State Department declined to comment on specific diplomatic communications with partner countries, it reaffirmed the administration’s hardline stance.
The department said the government remains “unwavering in its commitment to end illegal and mass immigration and bolster America’s border security.”
A minority report from the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee further suggested that the administration may have spent more than $40 million on third-country deportations up to January 2026, though officials concede that the full cost remains unclear.
The report also indicated that over $32 million had been directly disbursed to several partner countries, including Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, El Salvador, Eswatini, and Palau.
Beyond immigration cooperation, the development comes at a time of deepening US engagement in the DRC over strategic mineral resources.
Washington is reportedly negotiating access to the country’s vast reserves of cobalt, lithium, tantalum, and copper, minerals critical to global technology and energy industries.
The arrangement also coincides with renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilizing eastern Congo, where conflict involving the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group continues to threaten regional peace.
Following recent talks mediated by the United States and Qatar in Switzerland, both the Congolese government and rebel representatives agreed on measures including humanitarian access, civilian protection, and steps toward a monitored ceasefire.
Despite these diplomatic advances, tensions remain high.
Rwanda has repeatedly denied allegations of supporting the M23 rebels, insisting instead that its military posture is defensive in nature and aimed at countering security threats from armed groups operating within Congolese territory.
Diaspora Diva
Diaspora Diva – Wawa Gatheru
In a world increasingly defined by climate urgency, Wawa Gatheru is emerging as one of the most compelling young voices shaping a more inclusive environmental future.
The Kenyan-American activist is redefining climate advocacy by centering empathy, accessibility, and representation, ensuring that the movement speaks to, and for, communities often left at its margins. With the poise of a scholar and the passion of a changemaker, Gatheru continues to carve a distinct path where activism meets purpose.
A Rhodes Scholar with an impressive academic pedigree, Gatheru’s journey is grounded in both intellect and action. She made history in 2019 as the first Black person to simultaneously receive the Rhodes, Truman, and Udall scholarships—an extraordinary feat that underscored her commitment to environmental scholarship and advocacy. Now, she is channeling her voice into literature, working on her debut book, Soul of Our Planet, slated for release in April 2028 under HarperCollins’ Amistad imprint.
At the heart of her impact is Black Girl Environmentalist (BGE), the organization she founded and leads as Executive Director. What began as a vision has evolved into a thriving national network of over 2,500 members, empowering Black girls, women, and gender-expansive individuals within the climate space. Recognized by Forbes as one of the largest Black youth-led organizations in the United States, BGE is actively reshaping the narrative around who belongs in environmental leadership.
Gatheru’s work seamlessly weaves together climate action, racial equity, and storytelling. Through BGE, she has built a robust ecosystem offering mentorship, career pathways in the green economy, and community support across multiple U.S. cities. Her influence also extends into policy spaces as an inaugural member of the National Environmental Youth Advisory Council—a historic initiative under the United States Environmental Protection Agency designed to amplify youth voices in environmental decision-making.
Beyond her organisational leadership, Gatheru’s presence resonates across global platforms. She serves on advisory boards for leading institutions including Greenpeace USA and Earthjustice, while her work has been spotlighted by major outlets such as The New York Times and NBC. From being named to Forbes 30 Under 30 to appearing on the digital cover of Vogue alongside Billie Eilish, Wawa Gatheru embodies a new generation of leaders—bold, visionary, and unapologetically inclusive.
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