ADSPHCDA Begins Fresh Routine Immunization, Targets Over 1.3 Million Children
From Umar Dankano, Yola
The Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ADSPHCDA) has launched a fresh round of routine polio vaccination targeting children aged 0 to 5 years across the state.
The Executive Chairman of the Agency, Dr. Suleiman Saidu Bashir, disclosed this over the weekend during a media dialogue in Yola. He stated that the four-day immunization exercise, scheduled from June 14 to 17, 2025, will cover all 21 local government areas of the state.
Dr. Bashir urged parents and guardians to ensure their children are presented for vaccination. He noted that, alongside the oral polio vaccine, services such as maternal and newborn care, deworming, and vitamin A supplementation will be provided—particularly important with the onset of the rainy season.
Highlighting the significance of routine immunization, he explained that the initiative aims to build immunity among children under five and promote healthy growth for newborns. He also pledged to sustain regular media engagements to counter misinformation and improve public awareness.
In his remarks, Dr. Jacob Vasumu, Director of Disease Control and Immunization at ADSPHCDA, revealed that the campaign targets 1,379,814 children aged 0–59 months. He added that 1,599,600 doses of the novel oral polio vaccine (nOPV) were received for the June 2025 National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs), out of which 1,571,300 doses have been distributed to the LGAs.
Dr. Vasumu emphasized the use of advocacy, communication, and social mobilization strategies to ensure wide coverage and campaign success. He called on the media to continue sharing accurate information to address rejection, myths, and non-compliance issues.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. David Birdling, Director of Advocacy, Communication, and Social Mobilization at ADSPHCDA, explained that the dialogue was organized to tackle challenges surrounding polio vaccine administration, including myths, misinformation, and hesitancy.
He reiterated that during the four-day campaign, services such as deworming, birth registration, neonatal and maternal care, and vitamin A supplementation would be offered to beneficiaries.
In her remarks, Professor Georgina Odaibo from the National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for Polio Eradication expressed appreciation to the Adamawa State Government for its unwavering support. She also commended the media and stakeholders for their commitment, which she said has significantly contributed to the campaign’s success.
Our correspondent reports that the media dialogue was supported by UNICEF in collaboration with ADSPHCDA.
