By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
A house-to-house Tobacco Prevention Campaign (TPC) has commenced in parts of Kaduna State, coinciding with the second round of azithromycin drug distribution across the state. The initiative is being implemented in Gwagwada District of Chikun Local Government Area, targeting communities such as Gwagwada, Sabon Gari Nasarawa, and Kudendah.The campaign is being coordinated by the Njir Hoba Foundation, Kaduna Unit, in collaboration with community stakeholders. It combines public health outreach with tobacco prevention education, leveraging the ongoing azithromycin distribution to reach households directly. According to the National Secretary of the foundation, Engr. Umaru Hassan, the programme adopts a unique house-to-house approach that integrates health services with awareness on the dangers of tobacco use. He said the strategy ensures wider reach and more meaningful engagement with families at the grassroots level.“
As health workers go from house to house to administer azithromycin to eligible children, community drug dispensers and volunteers from the Njir Hoba Foundation are using the opportunity to educate families on the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine addiction,” Hassan explained.The azithromycin distribution programme is part of a broader public health intervention aimed at protecting children from bacterial infections. Organisers noted that combining it with a tobacco prevention campaign allows health educators to reach nearly every household in the participating communities.
Mallam Lawal Magaji, Secretary of the Sabon Gari community, described the exercise as a rare opportunity to engage residents directly in discussions about health and lifestyle choices. He said the house-to-house model has proven effective in ensuring that critical health messages are delivered to families who might otherwise be missed. Although Kudendah and Sabon Gari communities have previously organised tobacco and substance use disorder prevention programmes, organisers said this is the first time such efforts are being conducted through a door-to-door outreach. The approach, they noted, allows for personalised interaction and better understanding of community concerns.The campaign aligns with the World Health Organization’s “No Tobacco” theme for 2026 and is designed to promote community support for stronger tobacco control policies. Organisers said the initiative also aims to counter the appeal of nicotine and tobacco, particularly among young people.
Special attention is being given to hard-to-reach groups, including women in purdah, who may not attend public awareness events. The organisers said the house-to-house strategy ensures inclusiveness and equal access to health information. Health educators involved in the campaign have also been emphasising that while azithromycin helps protect children against certain infections, it does not prevent or treat the harmful effects of smoking. Families are therefore being encouraged to avoid tobacco use and protect children from exposure to second-hand smoke.
The tobacco prevention campaign will continue throughout the duration of the azithromycin distribution exercise in Kaduna State. Organisers said the programme will conclude once the drug dispensing exercise is completed, with the expectation that the combined intervention will contribute to improved public health outcomes in the communities.
