The Kwara State Government in Nigeria is set to launch a statewide polio immunization campaign on December 6, targeting all 16 local government areas. The four-day exercise, which will run until December 9, aims to administer the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) to every eligible child under the age of five. This initiative is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to protect children and prevent any resurgence of poliovirus.
According to a statement by the Press Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Bukola Abdulganiyu, the campaign is being carried out with support from development partners and frontline health workers. The Executive Secretary of the agency, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, has commended the dedication of health workers and partners involved in the exercise, urging them to surpass their previous performance.
The state’s commitment to strengthening its primary healthcare system and working with partners to ensure every child has access to quality healthcare is a key aspect of this campaign. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s investments in the health sector have been acknowledged, with the current administration’s prioritization of quality healthcare empowering frontline workers and improving the delivery of essential services.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also commended the supervisors for their efforts in previous rounds of the campaign, emphasizing the importance of accuracy and integrity in data reporting. The State Immunisation Officer, Mrs Sarat Yunus, has charged field teams to remain proactive and follow operational guidelines strictly, warning that any health personnel who fail to adhere to rules and regulations will face disciplinary action.
Kwara’s intensified mass vaccination rounds follow concerns about circulating poliovirus variants detected in parts of northern Nigeria. Public health officials stress that sustained routine immunization and supplementary rounds are essential to prevent outbreaks, especially in rural and hard-to-reach communities. With this latest round, Kwara joins national efforts to ensure Nigeria maintains its polio-free certification and prevents a reversal of gains made since the eradication of the wild poliovirus in 2020.
The success of this campaign is crucial in reinforcing the state’s polio-free status and protecting the health of its children. The cooperation of parents, caregivers, community leaders, and residents is essential in ensuring the campaign’s effectiveness. As Nigeria continues to work towards maintaining its polio-free certification, the efforts of states like Kwara are vital in preventing the resurgence of poliovirus and promoting public health.