Polio immunization safe, free, effective; Adamawa ASPHCDA boss reiterates
•As fresh exercise kicks off from 26 – 29 April, 2025
The Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), Dr. Sulaiman Said Bashir, has once again emphasized the importance of polio immunization as a safe, free, and effective measure in protecting children against the dreaded polio virus.
As preparations gear up for the next round of the state-wide immunization campaign scheduled from April 26 to 29, 2025, Bashir urged all stakeholders—including parents, traditional rulers, and religious leaders—to actively support the exercise and ensure that all eligible children are vaccinated.
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Dr. Bashir reiterated that the goal of this campaign is to sustain Nigeria’s polio-free status, which the country achieved in 2020. He explained that the upcoming vaccination drive will be carried out simultaneously across all 226 political wards in Adamawa State.
According to him, the target demography includes children between the ages of 0 to 59 months adding that a total of 1,443,300 doses of the polio vaccine have been secured to immunize no fewer than 1,405,881 children during the four-day campaign.
He added that his organization with support by UNICEF has put extensive planning in place to ensure smooth execution which include mobilizing skilled health personnel, providing the necessary materials, and arranging logistics to guarantee statewide coverage.
Dr. Bashir stressed the importance of maintaining high immunity levels among children, particularly in the face of challenges such as migration, security issues, environmental risks, and the transient lifestyle of many Nigerians. These factors, he said, heighten the risk of polio resurgence and make it imperative to continue routine immunization efforts.
According to him, the vaccination not only boosts the immunity of previously immunized children but also offers protection to newborns and children who have recently moved into the state.
He reassured the public about the safety and reliability of the vaccine, stating that there are no serious side effects associated with its use adding that reports have shown that any side effects experienced are typically mild and rare.
Also lending his voice to the campaign, Oluseyi Olosunde, Health Officer at the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, praised Adamawa State for its consistent efforts and impressive performance in healthcare delivery. He affirmed that the routine immunization initiative is critical to preventing any re-emergence of polio in the region. Olosunde noted that while many states are still battling outbreaks of diseases such as diphtheria, Adamawa has demonstrated strong leadership by reinforcing its healthcare systems and ensuring comprehensive immunization coverage.
He appealed to the media to play a proactive role in spreading accurate information and countering false beliefs about the polio vaccine. By doing so, he said, more parents will be encouraged to bring their children forward for immunization, thus safeguarding their health and supporting their future development.
