In an effort to keep the state of Adamawa free of polyomyelitis, Governor Ahmadu Umar Fintiri said yesterday the national immunization plus the days (NIPD) in the state.
The governor, who officially launched the April 2025 round of the Nipds campaign, asked parents to participate and make sure their children are immunized.
The event, held at the Primary Health Care Center (PHC) in Malkohi, the local government area of South Yola, marked the beginning of the immunization rounds of 2025 aimed at preventing the disease.
Governor Fintiri, represented by the local government commissioner, Excmo. Ibrahim Mijinyawa Yayaji emphasized the government's commitment to safeguard the lives and future of children against preventable vaccines, especially polyomyelitis.
He stressed that the occasion was more than a routine launch, qualifying it as a statement of collective commitment to reach each child, in each community, regardless of how remote.
He added: “No child should be left behind in the immunization campaign.”
“Today, we reaffirm that no child should be left behind; we must reach each child in each neighborhood, each settlement and each home, either in the heart of the city or in the most remote villages,” he said.
The governor praised the resilience and dedication of health workers, community mobilists and development partners who continue to guarantee that vaccines reach children despite the difficult field and insecurity.
He also appreciated the crucial support of traditional and religious leaders, urging them to continue encouraging communities to adopt immunization programs.
Governor Fintiri assured the public the commitment of his administration to strengthen the state primary health system through investments in infrastructure, personal, logistics and responsibility.
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He reiterated that immunization remains a priority not only for polyomyelitis but also for other childhood diseases such as measles, yellow fever, pneumonia and meningitis.
Going to parents and caregivers, Governor Fintiri urged them to ensure that each eligible child under five years of age receives the polyomyelitis vaccine during the campaign, regardless of their previous immunization state, emphasizing that vaccines are safe, free and effective.
“Although Nigeria was declared free of polyomyelitis in 2020, the threat of circulating poliovirus derived from the vaccine (CVDPV) remains. Therefore, maintaining a high immunity of the population and a strong surveillance is crucial to avoid any resurgence,” he added.
The event was attended by the Executive President of the Primary Health Care Agency of the State of Adamawa, Dr. Suleiman Bashir, among other development partners.
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