Why IPDs are indispensable tools in child protection – Dr Sulaiman S. Bashir
The Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ADSPHCDA), Dr. Sulaiman Saidu Bashir, has underscored the centrality of Immunization Plus Days (IPDs) in safeguarding the health of children across the state and the nation stressing that the periodic campaigns remain an indispensable tool in preventing outbreaks and strengthening population immunity.
Dr. Bashir made the remarks on Wednesday during a high-level mass media dialogue in Yola, attended by journalists, social media, youth influencers, senior officials of the agency and partners.
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The dialogue, organized as part of the agency’s continuous engagement with information gatekeepers, sought to deepen collaboration in communicating accurate, science-based public health messages especially on the necessity of sustained immunization rounds.
Speaking extensively on the relevance of IPDs, Dr. Bashir explained that although Nigeria achieved the milestone of being certified free of wild poliovirus in 2019, global transmission dynamics and cross-border movement continue to pose significant risks.
For Adamawa a state with a long international border and a mobile population he said IPDs serve as a vital public health buffer.
“Immunization Plus Days are not mere repetitive exercises; they are scientifically designed interventions to boost population immunity and protect children from emerging and re-emerging vaccine-preventable diseases,” he said.
He added that the supplementary doses administered during IPDs provide an extra layer of protection, especially in communities where routine immunization uptake may be inconsistent.
The chairman emphasized that IPDs also integrate additional child-friendly services including Vitamin A supplementation and birth registration making them an all-round effort to improve child survival and strengthen the health system.
He noted that in the most recent campaign, Adamawa attained over 90 percent coverage in Vitamin A administration, a performance he attributed to the dedication of health workers and increasing community cooperation.
However, Dr. Bashir expressed concern about persistent misconceptions surrounding the need for multiple rounds of vaccination.
He cautioned that such misinformation, if not tackled decisively, could undermine the gains already recorded.
“People need to understand that viruses mutate, strains reappear and, with international travel, new variants are introduced. Immunization Plus Days are therefore necessary to stay ahead of these threats,” he stated.
He also condemned instances where some schools obstruct vaccination teams, insisting that such actions endanger children and weaken the entire public health system.
He called on community leaders, parents, and school authorities to support every IPD round, describing it as a shared responsibility in protecting the future generation.
Dr. Bashir also highlighted the state government’s massive investment in healthcare, including the rehabilitation of over 80 primary healthcare facilities, the establishment of newborn units across 21 general hospitals, deployment of solar infrastructure, and the recruitment of new health workers that now constitute nearly one-quarter of the PHC workforce. These, he said, further enhance the impact of IPDs by ensuring strong linkages between campaign activities and routine services.
He commended frontline health workers who, despite risks such as river crossings and road accidents, continue to reach households in the most remote communities. He urged the media to showcase their sacrifices to inspire greater public appreciation and cooperation.
The roundtable ended with an interactive session where participants shared insights and pledged renewed commitment to promoting IPDs and strengthening disease control interventions across the state.
The Director of Disease Control and Immunization of the agency, Dr. James Vasumu, in his presentation praised journalists and digital influencers for their crucial role in minimizing non-compliance during previous campaigns.
He noted that accurate reporting and timely clarification of rumors have helped the agency address nearly all identified cases of refusal.
According to Dr. Vasumu, Adamawa still battles pockets of disease outbreaks in certain locations, making the media’s vigilance more important than ever.
He urged reporters to continue verifying sensitive information and disseminating content that is “scientific, factual and capable of driving health-seeking behavior.”
