Kaduna Begins Hajj 2026 Vaccination Drive, Urges Pilgrims to Comply with Health Protocols
By Auwal Ahmad Umar
The Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, working alongside the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Agency, has launched a statewide vaccination exercise for intending pilgrims ahead of the 2026 Hajj.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the agency’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Datti.
The exercise, which commenced on April 21, is part of mandatory health procedures required for travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is aimed at safeguarding the wellbeing of pilgrims throughout the spiritual journey.
Officials said the vaccination is being administered at designated Port Health Services centres across the state, with seven locations carefully selected to ensure accessibility and effective coverage.
The centres include the Kaduna Government Health Centre, serving Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Chikun and Igabi local government areas, as well as pilgrims under the Headquarters Registration Centre and the Hajj Saving Scheme.
Other centres are located in Zaria, catering to Zaria, Sabon Gari, Soba and Kudan LGAs; Ikara, covering Ikara, Kubau and Makarfi; and Saminaka, serving Lere and Kauru LGAs.
In the southern part of the state, vaccination is ongoing at Kachia Government Health Centre for Kachia, Zangon Kataf, Kajuru and Kagarko LGAs, while Kafanchan centre is handling Jema’a, Kaura, Sanga and Jaba LGAs. Pilgrims in Birnin Gwari LGA are being attended to at the Birnin Gwari Government Health Centre.
Speaking during the flag-off, the Executive Chairman of the agency, Malam Salihu S. Abubakar, stressed that immunisation remains a compulsory requirement for all intending pilgrims.
He urged participants to adhere strictly to the schedule and report to their assigned centres without delay, noting that compliance would help guarantee a safe and seamless Hajj operation.
“This exercise is not optional. It is a critical health requirement for entry into Saudi Arabia and for the protection of all pilgrims,” he said.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all necessary arrangements are in place to deliver a successful and hitch-free 2026 pilgrimage.
