Gombe: The Gombe state government has set its sights on vaccinating 832,427 children against polio in the latest National Immunisation Plus Days campaign. The initiative is a joint effort with the Federal Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), as revealed by Manassah Jatau, the state deputy governor, during the inauguration of the exercise in Swa community, Balanga Local Government Area. This event also marked the launch of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Jatau, represented by Dr Ahmed Kashere, Chairman of the Governing Council, Gombe State Primary HealthCare Development Agency, emphasized the importance of the integrated campaign in safeguarding the health of children and expectant mothers. The campaign aims to target 832,427 eligible children and pregnant women across the 11 LGAs, focusing on polio vaccination for children under five. It also includes vitamin A supplementation for 770,852 children aged 6 – 59 months, deworming f
or children aged 12 – 59 months, and malnutrition screening for children aged 6 – 59 months. Multiple micronutrient supplements will be provided for 214,126 pregnant women to support healthy pregnancy.
Jatau noted that Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine would be distributed to pregnant women to prevent malaria and related complications. The campaign will also feature health education on essential household practices to empower communities with knowledge on healthy living. The deputy governor called upon stakeholders, community members, and development partners to support the exercise in order to protect children and pregnant women and foster healthy communities. He also extended his appreciation to partners, community leaders, and health workers for their dedication to improving health outcomes in the state.
Mr Haruna Gambo, Zonal Technical Officer, National Primary HealthCare Development Agency (NPHCDA), reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to the wellbeing of children and mothers nationwide. According t
o Gambo, the integrated campaign will bolster the immunisation system and enhance public health. Additionally, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of UNICEF Field Office, Bauchi, highlighted the success of a previous campaign conducted in 2025, which successfully reached thousands of children. Rafique emphasized that immunisation remains a vital tool for protecting children from life-threatening but preventable diseases.
In Gombe State, the immunisation campaign is being integrated with the MNCHW to ensure more children and mothers receive essential health services. UNICEF has contributed over 20,000 bottles of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements for pregnant women and more than 700,000 doses of Vitamin A to fortify the immunity of children.