UNICEF, Taraba Govt Flag-off Polio Vaccination

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Taraba State government, has started polio vaccination of children under five across the 16 local government areas and two development areas of the state.

The vaccination, which aims to eradicate polio across the state, is targeting over one million children according to Dr. Ndzhat Rafique, the Bauchi field officer.

The campaign, under the National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs), also integrates other essential health services to reach more children and women, with a focus on increasing immunisation coverage and delivering lifesaving interventions.

The campaign, under the National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs), also integrates other essential health services to reach more children and women, with a focus on increasing immunisation coverage and delivering lifesaving interventions.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony in Jalingo, chief field officer of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, emphasised that global attention is on Nigeria to eradicate polio, one of the few remaining countries still battling the virus. The goal of this vaccination drive is to achieve 100% coverage across Taraba State.

“This year, the whole world is watching Nigeria’s efforts to end polio. We are spearheading this campaign to ensure the virus is completely stamped out,” Rafique said.

Dr. Rafique praised the commitment of the Taraba State government and development partners, assuring that no child would be left behind in the exercise.

In his remarks, the executive secretary of the Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency (TSPHCDA), Dr. Nuhu Tukura, stated that all necessary mechanisms have been put in place to ensure the success of the campaign.

He explained that integrating other antigens into the vaccination process would allow more children to benefit from comprehensive immunisation services.