As the next round of the state-wide polio immunization campaign draws near, the Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), Dr. Sulaiman Said Bashir, has reaffirmed the safety, effectiveness, and free availability of the vaccine, urging parents and stakeholders to take full advantage of the opportunity.

Speaking ahead of the upcoming four-day exercise scheduled for April 26 to 29, 2025, Dr. Bashir called on parents, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to actively support the campaign and ensure no child is left out.

“Our mission is to keep Adamawa and Nigeria polio-free,” he stated. “Vaccination remains the most reliable protection for children, especially in the face of challenges like migration, insecurity, and environmental factors that can expose communities to the virus.”

The campaign will cover all 226 political wards in the state, targeting children between 0 and 59 months of age. Dr. Bashir disclosed that 1,443,300 doses of the vaccine have been secured to reach an estimated 1,405,881 children.

He also highlighted the extensive preparations in place, supported by UNICEF, to guarantee a smooth rollout. These include the mobilisation of skilled health personnel, logistical support, and the distribution of essential materials.

“The vaccine is safe. Reports consistently show that side effects, if any, are minor and rare,” Dr. Bashir emphasized, adding that both previously immunized and newly arrived children will benefit from the booster effect of the vaccine.

Also speaking, Oluseyi Olosunde, a Health Officer at the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, commended Adamawa for its proactive health initiatives and strong immunization coverage.

He noted that while other states still grapple with outbreaks of diseases like diphtheria, Adamawa has shown leadership and resilience in its healthcare system.

Olosunde urged the media to support the campaign by spreading accurate information and dispelling myths about the polio vaccine, stressing that media collaboration is vital to achieving universal immunization and protecting the next generation.