The Adamawa State Government has expressed serious concerns over the growing rejection of vaccines in various communities across the state, a situation officials say is hampering public health efforts.

Deputy Governor Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, speaking at the 2025 First Bi-Annual meeting with traditional rulers on primary healthcare matters in Yola on Thursday, highlighted that misinformation, myths, and mistrust are major factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy among residents.

"The repeated outbreaks of measles are largely due to poor vaccination coverage caused by rejection from many targeted residents, despite repeated immunization efforts," Farauta stated at the event held at the Government House Banquet Hall.

The Deputy Governor emphasized that non-compliance with routine vaccination against preventable diseases remains a significant concern for all well-meaning citizens. She assured that the government is "committed beyond reviewing our immunization campaign and the rising disease burden" to address these challenges.

In a bid to tackle the issue, Professor Farauta urged all emirates and chiefdoms to establish functional structures that would meet regularly to develop strategies for addressing vaccine hesitancy among community members.

The Deputy Governor also issued a direct challenge to local government council chairmen regarding their responsibilities. "Leadership in Primary Health Care begins with you. Neglect, delay, or politicization of PHC services at the local level is not acceptable," she stated firmly.

Health experts have consistently warned that low vaccination rates can lead to outbreaks of preventable diseases, putting vulnerable populations, particularly children, at risk. The government's concern comes amid efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.

The meeting with traditional rulers underscores the government's recognition of the crucial role traditional institutions play in community mobilization and health advocacy, particularly in rural areas where vaccine hesitancy tends to be more pronounced.