"Bauchi Launches Polio Immunization Campaign with Security Back-Up"

By Khalid Idris Doya

The Bauchi State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, has launched a week-long polio immunization campaign aimed at vaccinating all children under the age of five, with a particular focus on reaching "zero-dose" children who have never received any immunization. The campaign, scheduled from April 24 to 30, 2025, received a boost with the deployment of security personnel, including DSS and police, to ensure full compliance.

Speaking during the launch in Madina Quarters Tirwun community, Bauchi Local Government Area, the Executive Chairman of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, disclosed that the state received 2.5 million doses of the Novel Oral Polio Vaccine (nOPV) for the exercise. "This time, we're moving with security personnel including DSS, police, and armored vehicles. Vaccination is compulsory. Anyone refusing to cooperate will face arrest," he emphasized.

Dr. Mohammed noted that 13 out of the state's 20 local government areas have been identified as having zero-dose cases, with only seven LGAs showing full compliance. The campaign will focus intensively on Ganjuwa, Bauchi, and Ningi LGAs, where immunization gaps remain significant. To oversee the vaccination process, 160 monitors, including representatives from civil society organizations, have been deployed.

Representing UNICEF, Mr. Eki George, Head of Social Behaviour Change, urged community leaders and fathers to support the vaccination efforts. "The fight against polio is not over. We cannot afford to miss any child. We are calling on all fathers to give consent and support their wives in allowing children to be immunized," he said. Mr. George further emphasized UNICEF’s role in mobilizing resources and ensuring that health workers reach every household, even in hard-to-reach areas.

The District Head of Tirwun, Alhaji Muhammad Tirwun, expressed gratitude to UNICEF and partners for their continued support. "The vaccine is not to reduce population but to protect our children from deadly diseases. Any field worker facing resistance should inform me or other community leaders; we are committed to ensuring every child is reached," he affirmed.

With the joint effort of the state government, development partners, and local leaders, the campaign seeks to ensure Nigeria maintains its polio-free status and leaves no child behind.