Adamawa targets 1.4m children as 2025 polio immunization campaign begins
In a determined effort to safeguard the health and future of its youngest citizens, the Adamawa State Government has launched a four-day polio immunization campaign targeting no fewer than 1.4 million children under the age of five.
The campaign was officially flagged off today at the Malkohi Primary Healthcare Center, located in Yola South Local Government Area.
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The immunization drive, which commenced today, is scheduled to run until April 29, 2025. It brings together a coalition of key stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, health professionals, officials from UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), and other critical development partners.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government, Yayaji Mijinyawa, emphasized the significance of the campaign. He noted that the initiative reflects the unwavering commitment of the Adamawa State Government to protect its children from vaccine-preventable diseases such as polio.
Governor Fintiri reiterated the administration’s dedication to ensuring that no child is left behind in its developmental agenda.
“As a state, we recognize that the health and wellbeing of our children are foundational to the progress of Adamawa State. Today, we reaffirm that no child must be left behind. We must reach every child in every ward, every settlement, and every household, whether in the heart of the city or in the most remote hamlets,” he said.
The governor extended heartfelt appreciation to all health workers, community mobilizers, development partners, and traditional and religious leaders. He acknowledged their unwavering resilience and dedication to the health of the state’s children, noting that their collective efforts have greatly contributed to the success of past immunization exercises.
In her remarks, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Bauchi, praised the Adamawa State Government for its steadfast support for children’s health initiatives.
She called on traditional and religious leaders to intensify their efforts, particularly in high-risk and newly formed communities, to ensure that every child receives the polio vaccine.
Dr. Rafique while highlighting a critical concern regarding the sustainability of the immunization program urged all and sundry to make their children available for the exercise in order to strengthen their immune system.
“Adamawa is one of the most committed states when it comes to prioritizing the health and development of its children,” Dr. Rafique stated. “We have always received great cooperation from the state government, particularly in leveraging resources for the betterment of children through campaigns such as polio immunization and child nutrition programs. Adamawa consistently sets a strong example for others to follow.”
Various stakeholders who spoke during the event, including traditional rulers, community leaders, and senior government officials, urged parents and guardians across the state to bring their children forward for vaccination.
They emphasized that the polio vaccine is safe, effective, and free, and reaffirmed that immunization remains one of the most reliable ways to protect children against life-threatening diseases.
In recognition of her outstanding dedication and contributions to child healthcare initiatives in Adamawa, the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency presented Dr. Nuzhat Rafique with a plaque of appreciation. Her leadership, energy, and enthusiasm have been pivotal to the success of numerous health interventions aimed at safeguarding the lives of the state’s children.
