Adamawa Flags Off NIPDs Statewide, Targets 1.4 Million Children
From Umar Dankano, Yola
The Adamawa State Government, in collaboration with development partners including UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), has launched the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) campaign targeting the vaccination of 1.4 million children across the state.
The immunization drive, which began on Saturday, April 26, 2025, is scheduled to run until April 29, 2025. Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government, Hon. Yayaji Mijinyawa, described the campaign as critical to protecting children against vaccine-preventable diseases, including poliomyelitis.
Fintiri noted the ongoing risk of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) despite Nigeria’s polio-free certification in 2020 and emphasized the need for continued vaccination efforts to maintain high population immunity and prevent resurgence.
He urged 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 prior immunization status.
Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Bauchi, stated that UNICEF has provided technical and logistic support to facilitate the immunization exercise, stressing the importance of collective responsibility for child health.
She emphasized that the vaccines are safe, free, and effective, and called on parents and guardians to present their children for vaccination.
Our Correspondent in Yola reports that, the event, held at the Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC) Malkohi in Yola South Local Government Area, brought together stakeholders including traditional and religious leaders, health professionals, and officials from development partners such as UNICEF and WHO.
