The Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Authority (PHCDA) has continued to identify the media as its major partner in delivering healthcare services to the citizenry, especially at the rural areas.

It enjoined the media practitioners to be more concerned with the positive efforts of the agency so as to encourage caregivers and partnering groups as well as foreign donours.

The PHCDA State Mobilisation Officer (SMO), Dr. Dupe Shittu sought the understanding, support and partnership of the media, at the weekend, during a stakeholder engagement, where the PHCDA reviewed the March polio immunisation campaign and outlined strategies to tackle lingering resistance and missed cases.

She identified the media as one of the few solutions to missed cases as well as regular successful healthcare outreach in the state.

She bemoaned that despite growing awareness efforts by the agency and improved turnout, health authorities in the state, more work is still needed to ensure no child is left unvaccinated as the fight against polio continues in communities.

She insisted that the PHCDA is poised to ensure that every eligible child must be reached, adding that the success of the exercise depends largely on public understanding and cooperation that could only be guaranteed by the additional efforts of the media practitioners in the state.

Also, the agency’s Director of Finance and Supply (DFS), Mr. Olayioye Ajide, pleaded that misinformation remains major obstacle, particularly at the grassroots level.

“Many caregivers still doubt the reality of polio, making it difficult to achieve full compliance,” he hinted, seeking the help of the media in bridging the worrisone gap.

According to him, beyond administering vaccines, the campaign is focused on continuous dialogue with communities to build trust and encourage participation.

Also contributing, Mr. Adisa Salmon, representing the United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF), urged media practitioners to play a more active role in public sensitisation.

He charged journalists to provide accurate information, counter rumours, and help bridge the gap between health workers and the communities.

He said, “we need to come together to engage people, correct misinformation, and make them understand that polio is real and preventable.”

Findings from the March campaign showed a mix of progress and challenges. While health workers recorded improved coverage during the exercise, cases of non-compliance were still observed.

However, many of these were resolved through immediate engagement and sensitisation at the community level.

Post-campaign assessment revealed that some children were not vaccinated, largely due to initial refusal by caregivers. Despite this, awareness of the campaign remained high, with most respondents confirming they were informed about the exercise.

In Ilorin East Local Government Area and other assessed LGAs, officials reported increased awareness following the campaign, although full compliance has yet to be achieved.

The campaign data, as presented during the session, further highlighted variations in performance across LGAs. While some areas recorded higher vaccination uptake with fewer missed children, others showed gaps that require intensified follow-up and community engagement.

Health authorities say sustained community engagement, stronger media collaboration, and targeted awareness campaigns will be key to addressing vaccine hesitancy and ensuring wider coverage in future rounds.

They reiterated their commitment to eradicating polio in Kwara State, urging residents to support the initiative and ensure all eligible children are vaccinated.