Bauchi Govt, UNICEF Target 2.5m Children For Polio Vaccination

Bauchi State government in collaboration with UNICEF, has launched a campaign to vaccinate over 2.5 million children against polio, including those in hard-to-reach and security-compromised areas.

At the flag-off campaign in Bauchi on Friday, the executive chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, revealed that of the 13 zero-dose local government areas (LGAs) initially identified, only seven remain non-zero dose LGAs.

“We must put all hands on deck to ensure that every child is vaccinated,” he said, noting that 160 supervisors have been deployed to oversee vaccine administration at the grassroots.

Dr Mohammed assured stakeholders that even communities facing security challenges in Alkaleri would not be left out. “We’ve received over 2.5 million doses of oral polio vaccine and local government chairmen have been directed to ensure that every child is reached,” he added.

On her part, UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Officer, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, represented by Mr George Eki, reaffirmed the agency’s support for the state.

“The fight against polio is far from over. Every child must be reached and no one can afford to miss this campaign,” Dr Rafique said, appealing to parents to ensure compliance.

The campaign aims to address non-compliance and achieve complete coverage, signalling a decisive step towards eradicating polio in Bauchi State.