The Adamawa State Government, through the state Primary Health Care Development Agency (ADSPHCDA), has announced plans to vaccinate 130,000 children against polio. The exercise, scheduled to take place from November 5 to 12, 2026, will target children aged 0-59 months in two local government areas: Gombi and Fufore. This initiative aims to boost the immunity of children in these areas, with the government collaborating with partners and the Federal Ministry of Health.
According to Mr. James Vusumu, Director of Immunization and Disease Control at ADSPHCDA, the decision to focus on these two local government areas was based on risk factors and immunization coverage. The vaccination campaign is part of a broader effort to eradicate polio and other infectious diseases in Nigeria. The government has assured the public that the vaccines are safe, free, and effective.
The Director of Advocacy, Communication, and Social Mobilization, representing the Executive Chairman, Dr. Bashir Saidu, urged parents to make their children available for vaccination. He commended the media for their support and advocacy, which have added value to the campaign and agency activities. However, he cautioned against rumors, misinformation, and sensationalism in reporting health issues.
Representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Corona Management System reaffirmed their commitment to supporting efforts to eliminate polio. Babangida Usman and Ruth Chukeumereze noted that every unvaccinated child remains a risk to other children, emphasizing the need for collective action to kick polio and other infectious diseases out of the country.
The vaccination campaign is a significant step towards achieving a polio-free Nigeria. With 130,000 children set to benefit from the exercise, the government is working to ensure that all children in the targeted areas receive the necessary immunization. The ADSPHCDA has assured the public that the vaccines have been thoroughly tested and are safe for use.
The media dialogue, which took place in Yola, was an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the importance of the vaccination campaign and address any concerns or misconceptions. The government emphasized the need for accurate and responsible reporting on health issues, highlighting the risks associated with misinformation and sensationalism.
The Adamawa State government's initiative to vaccinate 130,000 children against polio is a crucial step towards protecting the health and well-being of children in the state. With the support of partners and the Federal Ministry of Health, the government is working to ensure that all children in the targeted areas receive the necessary immunization to prevent the spread of polio and other infectious diseases.
Key points
- The Adamawa State government will vaccinate 130,000 children aged 0-59 months in Gombi and Fufore LGAs from November 5-12, 2026.
- The vaccination campaign aims to boost the immunity of children in the targeted areas, with the government collaborating with partners and the Federal Ministry of Health.
- The government has assured the public that the vaccines are safe, free, and effective, and has urged parents to make their children available for vaccination.
