Polio Vaccination Drive in Kaduna: 118 Children Immunized in Giwa LGA
From Aishatu Abdullahi, Kaduna
The Journalists Initiative on Immunization Against Polio (JAP), in collaboration with the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board (SPHCB) and the World Health Organization (WHO), has facilitated the vaccination of 118 children in the Hayin Madara community of Giwa Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria.
As part of the campaign, JAP organized local theatre performances and roadshows targeting hotspot settlements with high rates of vaccine noncompliance. The creative outreach efforts drew the attention of families and children, creating an opportunity for vaccinators to reach and immunize children who had previously missed routine immunization.
This intervention led to the successful vaccination of 118 children under the age of five, significantly reducing the number of zero-dose cases in the area.
Speaking to newsmen during the program, the District Head of Giwa, Alhaji Aminu Abdulkarim Aminu, warned parents against denying their children access to the vaccines, emphasizing the health benefits for both children and society at large.
He reminded parents that polio immunization is specifically designed for the well-being of children aged 0 to 5 years, and that both the government and development partners are working tirelessly to ensure every child is reached.
“For over 15 years, JAP—supported by WHO and the Primary Health Care Board—has been conducting roadshows, town hall meetings, and community sensitization programs to address challenges associated with polio immunization, particularly in high-risk settlements,” he added.
