As part of efforts to safeguard public health and respond to emerging disease threats, the Edo State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has mobilised stakeholders ahead of the upcoming National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs) scheduled for June 28 to July 3.

The mobilisation drive took centre stage at a strategic meeting of the Social Mobilisation Committee/Taskforce held on June 25 at the Chairman’s Conference Hall, Etsako West Local Council, Auchi.

The meeting, chaired by the Secretary to the Local Government (SLG), Zikanemi O. Momodu, brought together key actors across multiple sectors, including security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, market women associations, health officials, education stakeholders, and NOA representatives.

Top on the agenda was the coordinated rollout of the NIPDs campaign aimed at ensuring that children across the council are protected from polio, measles, and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

Beyond immunisation, the meeting also addressed the recent diphtheria outbreak in Edo State, prompting urgent discussions on enhanced vaccination efforts, community-level awareness campaigns, and promotion of hygiene practices to contain the spread.

“The health of our children and communities is non-negotiable.”

We must work hand in hand to ensure every child is reached and no one is left behind,” Momodu said.Officials from the NOA stressed the importance of community engagement and accurate information dissemination, urging traditional and religious leaders to leverage their influence to boost turnout during the immunisation days.

The taskforce also emphasised the need for increased vigilance, encouraging residents to report suspected diphtheria symptoms promptly to health authorities, while maintaining clean environments to prevent further outbreaks.

With full stakeholder alignment, Edo State’s NIPDs campaign is set to combine medical intervention with robust community support, demonstrating a united front against preventable childhood diseases.