Nasarawa, UNICEF target 1.5 million children for polio vaccination

Nasarawa State, in partnership with UNICEF, is launching a critical polio vaccination and healthcare campaign targeting over 1.5 million children. This comprehensive initiative, scheduled from May 2 to May 5, 2026, goes beyond just polio immunization, integrating nutrition services and basic healthcare through strategically located health camps across all 13 local government areas.

The campaign's focus on addressing acute malnutrition, identified during previous vaccination drives, highlights a nuanced approach to child welfare. By establishing health camps, the state and UNICEF are providing essential nutritional support, including Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food, and treatment for minor illnesses, particularly in underserved rural areas.

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Our target is to reach at least 1.5 million eligible children, and achieving this requires disseminating accurate and timely information to all segments of society.

Dr. Usman Saleh, Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, emphasized the importance of accurate information dissemination to achieve the campaign's ambitious goals. The previous campaign achieved 93% coverage, but the drive for optimal results continues, reflecting a persistent commitment to child health.

UNICEF's involvement, particularly through its Kaduna Field Office, underscores the international support for eradicating polio and improving child health outcomes in Nigeria. Dr. Ahmed Tsofo of UNICEF stressed that vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure against polio, a disease that can cause permanent disability or death. The collaborative effort in Nasarawa serves as a model for integrated health interventions, demonstrating how focused campaigns can yield significant public health benefits.

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The disease spreads through contaminated food and water, and poor sanitation contributes significantly to its per