Adamawa State, UNICEF Launch Immunization Campaign for 1.4 Million Children

YOLA —By Ojoma Yusuf,Yola

The Adamawa state government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s F7nd, UNICEF and other partners, has launched a four-day National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) campaign, targeting at least 1.4 million children under the age of five across the state.

The campaign, aimed at strengthening resistance against polio and other deadly childhood diseases, commenced at Nana Asma’u Healthcare Center in Yola South local government council.

Children under five received two drops of the polio vaccine as part of the exercise.

Hajiya Asma’u Usman Hona, representing the Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ADPHCDA), expressed gratitude to UNICEF and WHO for their support.

She noted that the campaign will run for four days, with an additional two-day buffer period to reach children who may have been missed.

Hona explained that the initiative is part of a broader sub-national immunization effort covering 12 states across Nigeria, reinforcing the country’s ongoing efforts to maintain its polio-free status.

Speaking during the launch, UNICEF Health Officer Oluseyi Olusundu emphasized the importance of immunization as a key safeguard for children.

He urged parents to allow their children aged 0 to 5 to be vaccinated, noting that polio infections in one child can quickly spread to others if left unchecked.

Olusundu highlighted the provision of logistical support and vaccine storage by UNICEF to ensure potency, and called on community leaders to address issues of vaccine rejection and non-compliance.

Caregivers at the healthcare center expressed excitement about the initiative, appreciating that the immunization is provided free of charge.

Zainab Muhammed, mother of a two-year-old, thanked the Adamawa State Government and UNICEF for the opportunity and encouraged other parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against polio and other deadly diseases.

The campaign represents a critical step in safeguarding children’s health and reinforcing immunization efforts across Adamawa State.