By Peter Uwumarogie
The Gombe state government has targeted 832,427 children for vaccination against polio in the National Immunisation Plus Days campaign.
The exercise is being implemented in collaboration with the Federal Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Manassah Jatau, the state deputy governor, said this during the inauguration of the exercise on Friday at Swa community in Balanga Local Government Area.
He said the event also marked the launch of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW).
Jatau was represented by Dr Ahmed Kashere, Chairman, Governing Council, Gombe State Primary HealthCare Development Agency.
He described the integrated campaign as crucial toward protecting the health of children and expectant mothers.
“This campaign targets 832,427 eligible children and pregnant women across the 11 LGAs, focusing on polio vaccination for children under five.
“It will ensure vitamin A supplementation for 770,852 children aged 6 – 59 months, to boost their immune system and prevent night blindness.
“Deworming for children aged 12 – 59 months, to improve nutritional status and reduce worm infestation, will also be part of the campaign.
“During the exercise, malnutrition screening for children aged 6 – 59 months will be carried out to ensure early detection and management. Multiple micronutrient supplements will be provided for 214,126 pregnant women to support healthy pregnancy,” he said.
Jatau said Sulphadoxine–Pyrimethamine would be provided for pregnant women to prevent malaria and related complications.
He highlighted that the campaign would also featured health education on essential household practices to empower communities with knowledge on healthy living.
The deputy governor urged stakeholders, community members, and development partners to support the exercise, to protect children and pregnant women towards building healthy communities.
He also commended partners, community leaders and health workers for their commitment to improving health outcomes in the state.
Mr Haruna Gambo, Zonal Technical Officer, National Primary HealthCare Development Agency (NPHCDA), reaffirmed the Federal Government commitment to the wellbeing of children and mothers across the country.
According to Gambo, the integrated campaign will strengthen the immunisation system and improve public health.
Also, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of UNICEF Field Office, Bauchi, said an earlier campaign conducted in 2025 recorded remarkable success, reaching thousands of children.
She said the achievement demonstrated what was possible when governments, communities, health workers and partners united behind a common goal.
Rafique stressed that immunisation remained one of the most powerful tools 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 are reached with essential health services.
“As part of our support, UNICEF has provided more than 20,000 bottles of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements for pregnant women, and more than 700,000 doses of Vitamin A to boost the immunity of children,” she said.
While commending donor agencies and government partners, Rafique urged parents, caregivers, and community leaders to ensure that no child missed in the exercise. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
