The Adamawa State Government is launching a new round of anti-polio vaccination, aiming to immunize over 1.3 million children. This initiative, scheduled for December 6 to 9, 2025, underscores the state’s commitment to preventing the resurgence of polio in Nigeria.
According to Bashir Usman, the executive chairman of the Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Nigeria’s status as a polio-free country, declared in 2016 and certified in 2019, is not a guarantee against future outbreaks. He emphasized that the high mobility of Nigerians poses a risk of reintroducing the virus, making sustained vaccination efforts crucial. “Nigerians are widely traveled, and if our children are not adequately immunized, they could be susceptible to the virus if it is brought back into the country,” Usman explained during a media dialogue in Yola.
The vaccination campaign will target children aged 59 months and below across the 226 wards of Adamawa State’s 21 local government areas. Usman appealed to media practitioners to utilize their platforms to raise awareness about the importance of presenting children for vaccination, reassuring the public that the vaccine is safe. This campaign is particularly significant given Nigeria’s history with polio and the need for continued vigilance to maintain the country’s polio-free status.
The collaboration between the Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency and UNICEF highlights the concerted efforts being made to ensure that no child is left behind in the fight against polio. By targeting a large population of children, the state government aims to bolster its defenses against potential polio outbreaks, recognizing that repeated vaccination is essential to protect susceptible children.
As the vaccination exercise approaches, the Adamawa State Government is counting on the support of the media and the public to make this campaign a success. The success of this initiative will not only contribute to the health and well-being of Adamawa’s children but also reinforce Nigeria’s position as a polio-free nation. With the vaccination dates set, residents of Adamawa State are encouraged to participate fully to ensure the continued health and safety of their children.