Adamawa Flags Off NIPDs Statewide, Targets 1.4 Million Children

Adamawa flags off NIPDs statewide , targets 1.4 million children 

From Umar Dankano, Yola 

The Adamawa state government and its development partners including Unicef and World Health Organization (WHO) have flagged off the National Immunization Plus Days targeting to immunize 1.4 million children in the state.

Kick-starting the immunization drive in Yola on Saturday,26th which is scheduled to run until April 29th,2025.Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri expressed gratitude to stakeholders for the show of commitment on the well being of the children ,who he refered to as the future leaders in the society.

Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government, Hon. Yayaji Mijinyawa, Governor Fintiri emphasized the significance of the campaign noting that, the initiative reflects the unwavering commitment of the Adamawa State Government to protect its children from vaccine-preventable diseases such as poliomyelitis 

Fintiri described the occasion as more than a routine launch but declaration of collective commitment to reach every child, in every community, no matter how remote, reaffirming that, no child must be left behind in the immunization exercise.

“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.

“Even though Nigeria was declared polio-free in 2020, the threat of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) remains. Therefore, maintaining high population immunity and strong surveillance is crucial to prevent any resurgence,” he added.

He reiterated that immunization remains a top priority not only for polio but also for other childhood diseases such as measles, yellow fever, pneumonia, and meningitis urging parents, guardians and caregivers to ensure that every eligible child under five years of age receives the oral polio vaccine during the campaign, regardless of their previous  immunization status.

The Governor commended the resilience and dedication of health workers, community mobilizers, and development partners who continue to ensure vaccines reach children despite difficult terrain and insecurity.

In her remarks, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique,Chief of Field Office, Unicef Bauchi reiterated the readiness to support programmes with direct impact on children by her organization globally.

Rafique maintained that Unicef has provided technical and logistic support to the state government with a view to the success of immunization exercise noting that well being and mental health growth of the children is a collective responsible for all stakeholders.

She stressed that the vaccines are safe, free, and effective urging parents and guardians to ensure that their children are vassinated Accordingly as she applauded the Adamawa state government on paying its counterpart funding promptly on all activities in the state.

Daily Hint Correspondent in Yola reported that, the event witnessed massive turnout from people at Primary Health Care Centre(PHC) Malkohi, Yola South local government area and has brought to- gether 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.

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