Polio: Gombe inaugurates immunisation drive for 832,427 children
The Gombe State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has inaugurated the National Immunisation Plus Days campaign in the state.
The campaign targets 832,427 children for polio vaccination.
Inaugurating the exercise on Friday in Swa community, Balanga Local Government Area, Deputy Governor Mr Manassah Jatau, said the event also marked the launch of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW).
He was represented by Dr Ahmed Kashere, Chairman of the Governing Council of the Gombe State Primary HealthCare Development Agency.
Jatau described the integrated campaign as crucial to protecting the health of children and expectant mothers.
“This campaign targets 832,427 eligible children and pregnant women across the 11 LGAs, focusing on polio vaccination for children under five.
“It will ensure vitamin A supplementation for 770,852 children aged 6–59 months, to boost their immune system and prevent night blindness.
“Deworming for children aged 12–59 months, to improve nutritional status and reduce worm infestation, will also be part of the campaign.
“During the exercise, malnutrition screening for children aged 6–59 months will be carried out to ensure early detection and management.
“Multiple micronutrient supplements will be provided for 214,126 pregnant women to support healthy pregnancy,” he said.
He added that Sulphadoxine–Pyrimethamine would be provided for pregnant women to prevent malaria and related complications.
“The campaign will also include health education on essential household practices to empower communities with knowledge on healthy living.”
Jatau urged stakeholders, community members, and development partners to support the exercise to protect children and pregnant women and promote healthier communities.
He commended partners, community leaders, and health workers for their commitment to improving health outcomes in the state.
Mr Haruna Gambo, Zonal Technical Officer, National Primary HealthCare Development Agency, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the wellbeing of children and mothers across the country.
He noted that the integrated campaign would strengthen the immunisation system and improve community health.
In her remarks, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, said an earlier campaign conducted in 2025 recorded remarkable success, reaching thousands of children.
She said the achievement demonstrated what was possible when governments, communities, health workers, and partners united behind a common goal.
Rafique stressed that immunisation remained one of the most powerful tools for protecting children from life-threatening but preventable diseases.
“In Gombe State, the immunisation campaign is being integrated with the MNCHW to ensure more children and mothers are reached with essential health services.
“As part of our support, UNICEF has provided more than 20,000 bottles of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements for pregnant women, and more than 700,000 doses of Vitamin A to boost the immunity of children,” she said.
She thanked donor agencies and government partners and urged parents, caregivers, and community leaders to ensure that no child was missed.
Mothers who turned out in large numbers told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that they appreciated the government and development partners for providing free vaccines and supplements.
They said their children no longer fell ill as frequently since they embraced government-led health initiatives.
