The Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (APHCDA) said it has administered immunsation to more than 1.48 million children against polio despite a rising tide of misinformation and cultural resistance.
From April 26 to 29, 2025, the agency launched a statewide immunization campaign that exceeded its target of 1,386,608 children under five years old, reaching 1,483,450 children — a remarkable 100 percent success rate.
Dr. Jacob Vasumu Joseph, Director of Disease Control and Immunization at APHCDA, revealed this feat during a media roundtable held in Yola, describing it as a triumph over persistent challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, traditional myths, and religious misconceptions.
“Many parents feared side effects or were misinformed about the vaccines. What we did differently was engage trusted voices within communities — imams, traditional rulers, and local influencers — to lead the charge in dispelling myths,” Joseph stated.
To counter the misinformation wave, the agency deployed a robust communications strategy that involved real-time community feedback, strategic media engagement, and targeted sensitization across all 21 local government areas. Over 1,700 vaccination teams were mobilized for the campaign.
Joseph acknowledged that 986 cases of non-compliance were recorded during the exercise, but emphasized that all but five were peacefully resolved through community dialogue.
“We’re not just fighting a virus; we’re fighting false beliefs,” he said, reiterating the agency’s dedication to ensuring that no child is left behind.
Dr. Sulaiman Bashir, Executive Chairman of the agency, said the immunization drive reflects the APHCDA’s broader mandate, which includes nutrition support, access to clean water, maternal care, and public health education.
“Our strategy is rooted in prevention. By prioritizing immunization, antenatal care, and deworming, we aim to reduce the disease burden before it overwhelms our healthcare system,” Bashir said.
Officials in the agency also outlined ongoing innovations in primary healthcare delivery, stressing the importance of continued collaboration with stakeholders, from community gatekeepers to journalists, in reaching underserved populations.
