The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched the first round of the 2025 National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs), aiming to immunise an impressive target of 1,116,677 children across the territory.
The campaign, which runs from May 4 to 10, seeks to enhance routine immunisation and mitigate the impact of vaccine-preventable diseases on children. This initiative will reach all six area councils of the FCT, administering effective oral polio vaccines to children aged 0 to 59 months.
During the flag-off ceremony held at the Jiwa community in Abuja, the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, explained the urgent need to improve immunisation coverage to combat childhood morbidity and mortality.
“Vaccine-preventable diseases have been among the leading causes of childhood morbidity and mortality in Nigeria and the FCT. To address numerous disease outbreaks, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), in collaboration with partners, has initiated the NIPDs to enhance routine immunisation coverage in the FCT,” she stated.
Fasawe stressed the significance of raising awareness and fostering public engagement for the campaign‘s success.
“Moreover, effective communication and mobilisation are necessary to create demand for the vaccine and build public confidence among parents and caregivers,” she said.
She also mentioned the proactive measures taken by the FCT Primary Health Care Board to ensure maximum coverage during this campaign period.
“While we have made considerable progress through various health programs to reduce disease burdens via immunisation, more must be done to guarantee that all mothers, caregivers, and eligible children receive coverage during this time,” she said.
While sharing a new strategy, Fasawe announced that the emphasis is shifting from isolated vertical campaigns to a more integrated approach.
“The NIPDs will expose caregivers and children to essential health interventions, allowing them to thrive through the existing health system and outreach strategies,” she said.
Urging stakeholders to support the initiative, she encouraged them to become NIPDs Ambassadors, mobilising women, caregivers, children, and all residents to health facilities, temporary fixed posts, and outreach locations.
“We will also target schools, churches, mosques, and other key places where eligible children aged 0-59 months can be found, ensuring they receive two drops of the potent Oral Polio Vaccine,” she added.
To accomplish extensive coverage, the FCT has implemented a comprehensive strategy comprising 154 fixed post teams stationed at health facilities and 1,152 house-to-house teams visiting homes and community centres. “No eligible child should miss the opportunity to be vaccinated,” Dr. Fasawe emphasised.
The Country Representative of the World Health Organisation, Dr. Molonbo Walter, delivered a goodwill message, underlining the significance of vaccination as an essential human right for children in the FCT.
He praised the FCTA‘s commendable efforts in addressing the diphtheria outbreak and urged continued commitment to adopting new vaccines.
Engr. Ibrahim Abdulahi, representing the NPHCDA, also praised the collaborative efforts that facilitated the successful launch of this campaign and called for unwavering dedication to improving healthcare outcomes nationwide, particularly for vulnerable groups like children.
Also, the Chief of Jiwa, Dr. Idris Musa, spoke on behalf of traditional leaders, emphasising their crucial role in the success of health campaigns.
He called upon community leaders to monitor and support these efforts while stressing the need for an updated immunisation strategy that considers the FCT’s growing population to ensure no child is left unvaccinated.
