In a significant effort to eradicate polio, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has donated over 2.5 million doses of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) to Bauchi State, prioritizing immunization for thousands of zero-dose children.
Speaking at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi, on Thursday, where the vaccines are stored, the Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Nuzhat Rafique, emphasized the urgency of reaching unvaccinated children.
“Bauchi State is one of the very important states where we have 13 out of 20 local governments that have zero-dose children,” she said. “That implies that almost 556,000 children have never received any vaccine.”
To bridge this gap, a statewide immunization campaign will take place from April 24-29, targeting communities with the highest number of unvaccinated children. Ms. Rafique called on all stakeholders to launch massive awareness campaigns to ensure high turnout and participation.
Patrick Akor, Health Officer at UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, assured that logistical support has been put in place for a smooth exercise. “We are going to ensure that all the local government areas and teams have adequate vaccines during the implementation exercise,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Bappah Jika, a representative from the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, confirmed the receipt of the vaccines and expressed appreciation for UNICEF’s continued support in safeguarding children’s health.
UNICEF has also provided essential materials, including pen markers, to help track vaccinated children and prevent duplication. As part of the campaign strategy, vaccination teams will operate at designated centers and visit communities to reach as many children as possible.
