Adamawa to vaccinate ‘1.4m’ children against polio

The Adamawa Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ADPHCDA) has launched a polio vaccination campaign targeting 1.4 million children.

Supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the initiative began during the 2025 National Immunisation Day in Malkohi, Yola South LGA.

Ahmadu Fintiri, Adamawa governor, who was represented by Ibrahim Mijinyawa, commissioner for local government affairs, spoke at the event.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to children’s health and well-being.

Fintiri implored traditional leaders to mobilise parents for the campaign.

“Healthcare remains a top priority for my government,” he said.

The governor added that the campaign requires collective effort to ensure success across the state and reiterated the importance of vaccinating every eligible child.

Nuzhat Rafique, chief of UNICEF’s Bauchi field office, asked parents to embrace the campaign.

“This could mark the final push to eliminate polio,” she said.

Rafique reassured the public of the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness. Community support, she noted, is crucial for the initiative’s success.

Yusuf Abdulkareem, World Health Organisation (WHO) coordinator in Adamawa, encouraged parents to prioritise immunisation for stronger immunity.

“Children are the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.

Abdulkareem also called for intensified government action against malaria.

Zubairu Mustapha, district head of Yola South LGA, commended the contributions of development partners.

Mustapha also promised full support for the government’s healthcare initiatives.