Adamawa Targets One Million Children in Major Immunisation Drive Amid Disease Concerns

Adamawa Targets One Million Children in Major Immunisation Drive Amid Disease Concerns

By Jamila Muhammed

The Adamawa State Government has unveiled plans to vaccinate at least one million children between the ages of zero and 59 months in an upcoming statewide immunisation campaign aimed at curbing preventable diseases.

Deputy Governor Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta made the announcement known on Tuesday during the first quarter meeting of the State Task Force on Primary Health Care held in Yola. She explained that the gathering assessed the state’s readiness and reinforced collaboration among stakeholders ahead of key health interventions.

Farauta applauded development partners and health sector contributors for their continued backing of primary healthcare services. She reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to strengthen healthcare delivery and protect the well-being of residents.

She highlighted that the Sub-National Immunisation Plus Days (SNIPDs), scheduled for March 28, would play a critical role in boosting child health across the state. According to her, the exercise became imperative following reports of circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2) in Gombi Local Government Area and nearby regions.

The deputy governor called on parents, carers, and community leaders to ensure that all eligible children are presented for vaccination, stressing that community participation is vital to the success of the campaign.

Farauta also raised alarm over a confirmed meningitis case in the Maiha Local Government Area, urging swift and coordinated health responses to contain any potential outbreak.

She also mentioned that plans are being made to start the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) programme and distribute Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets (LLINs) in certain communities. The initiative is expected to commence in June 2026.

She further emphasised the importance of strengthening emergency preparedness measures, particularly as the rainy season approaches, to minimise the impact of flooding across vulnerable areas.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Mr. Felix Tangwami, and the Executive Chairman of the Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Suleiman Bashir, noted that the meeting reviewed ongoing health programs, assessed coverage levels, identified challenges, and mapped out strategies to improve service delivery across the state.