By Sani Adamu Hassan
Bauchi State has received a significant boost in its polio eradication efforts, with the United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF providing over 2.5 million doses of Oral Polio Vaccines (OPV) to be administered to children across the state.
Speaking at the cold storage facility of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, where the vaccines are being kept, the UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, emphasized the importance of the upcoming vaccination campaign.
According Nuzhat, the exercise is set to commence from April 24 to 29, 2025, targeting children under the age of five.
Dr. Rafique urged all stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns to ensure maximum participation of parents and guardians.
She highlighted the urgent need to reach children who have never received any form of vaccination, stating that Bauchi State has 13 out of 20 local government areas with a high prevalence of zero-dose children.
She further stressed the need for community cooperation, urging parents, caregivers, and leaders to mobilize resources and encourage participation in the vaccination drive.
According to her, the initiative is not just about protecting children today but safeguarding future generations against the devastating effects of polio.
In addition to the vaccines, UNICEF has also supplied essential materials such as pen markers to track vaccinated children effectively.
Mr. Patrick Akor, a Health Officer at UNICEF Bauchi Field Office assured that all LGAs and vaccination teams would have sufficient vaccines throughout the campaign period.
In his remark, Bappah Jika a representative from the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board confirmed the receipt of the vaccines and expressed appreciation for UNICEF’s continuous support.
He described the initiative as a life-saving intervention that will significantly enhance child health in the state.
With these efforts, UNICEF and Bauchi State authorities are taking a crucial step towards ensuring that no child is left unprotected, reinforcing the global fight to eradicate polio once and for all.