Gombe Targets 900,000 Children In Intensified Polio Immunisation Drive

The Gombe State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, is targeting no fewer than 900,000 children in the ongoing Immunization Plus Days campaign across the state, as part of renewed efforts to sustain Nigeria’s march towards a polio-free status.

The programme is designed to expand vaccination coverage, particularly among children aged zero to 59 months, and strengthen the gains recorded in the country’s broader polio eradication programme.

Speaking to journalists after an evening review meeting in Gombe, the Chief of the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Nuzhat Rafique, described the 2026 exercise as a critical phase in Nigeria’s final push to eliminate the disease.

She commended the Gombe State Government, under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for its sustained commitment, noting that health workers across the state have intensified efforts to ensure that no eligible child is missed during the campaign.

The five-day exercise commenced with simultaneous flag-off ceremonies at both state and local government levels, followed by aggressive outreach programmes targeting hard-to-reach and underserved communities.

Dr Rafique particularly lauded Governor Inuwa Yahaya for institutionalizing daily review meetings to monitor progress and promptly address emerging challenges, a move she said has significantly strengthened accountability and responsiveness in the exercise.

She also pointed out the critical role of traditional rulers and community leaders, whose active involvement has helped boost awareness, build trust, and drive participation across communities.

According to her, UNICEF has supplied over 965,000 doses of oral polio vaccines, while the state has ensured the maintenance of efficient cold chain systems to guarantee safe storage and distribution across all local government areas.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Abdulrahman Shu’aibu, said extensive advocacy and sensitization campaigns had been carried out to enhance vaccine acceptance.

He noted that traditional rulers, religious leaders, women groups, and youth organisations were actively engaged to address misconceptions and reduce resistance in some communities.

While acknowledging pockets of non-compliance in certain areas, Dr Shu’aibu said authorities were addressing the challenge through sustained dialogue with trusted community stakeholders.

He expressed optimism that the campaign would achieve over 95 per cent coverage, surpassing previous exercises, and urged parents and caregivers to present all eligible children for vaccination.