The Kogi State Government has launched a polio vaccination campaign, coinciding with the celebration of African Vaccination Week, to protect children from the devastating effects of poliovirus. The campaign is organized by the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA) in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health and partners to commemorate the Integrated 2025 National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) and African Vaccination Week (AVW). The NIPDs initiative is aimed at boosting immunization efforts and protecting children across the state from vaccine-preventable diseases. African Vaccination Week (AVW), which is institutionalized by the WHO Regional Office, is aimed at promoting immunization and increasing awareness about the importance of vaccines in preventing diseases.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, who flagged off the campaign on Saturday, emphasized the importance of vaccines in saving lives. Represented by Permanent Secretary Mrs. Dorcas Enehe Omeneke, he urged parents and caregivers to welcome vaccinators and ensure their children receive the polio vaccine to protect them from vaccine-preventable diseases, concluding, “Together, let’s keep Kogi State polio-free and build a healthier future for our children.” With this call to action, the commissioner emphasized the collective goal of keeping the state polio-free and ensuring a healthier future for its children through sustained immunization efforts.
The Executive Director of Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Mu’azu Omeiza Musa, delivered a speech on the occasion of the Polio Vaccination Campaign Flag-Off and African Vaccination Week. He emphasized the importance of immunization in saving lives and building healthier communities.
The Executive Director noted that the campaign, running from April 26 to 29, 2025, targets children aged 0-59 months, with vaccination teams going door-to-door to ensure no eligible child is left unvaccinated. He4 expressed gratitude to frontline health workers, community mobilizers, partners, and volunteers for their dedication.
Dr. Mu’azu urged parents and caregivers to allow their children to receive the life-saving polio vaccine, emphasizing its safety, accessibility, and importance. He stressed that until polio is eradicated everywhere, no child is safe anywhere. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to immunization equity, ensuring no child misses out on vaccines due to location or circumstance. With unity, vigilance, and commitment, Kogi State aims to remain polio-free and build a healthier future for its children.
Representatives of key partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to ensuring every eligible child in Kogi State is vaccinated against polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases. The Traditional Ruler, the Ohiegba of Mozum, HRH King Bukar Khalid, also pledged the commitment of traditional institutions to actively encourage and mobilize the community, leveraging their influence to ensure every eligible child is immunized, thereby contributing to a healthier and more resilient society.
At the close of the ceremony, Mr. Ijalija Okpanachi David, Director of Administration at the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the flag-off of the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) and African Vaccination Week (AVW). He appreciated the leadership of the Executive Governor and the Honorable Commissioner for Health for theirr unwavering support, thanked partners like WHO, UNICEF, and NPHCDA for their collaboration, and acknowledged traditional leaders, community mobilizers, healthcare workers, and volunteers for their dedication.
AWOKESON, RITA P.
~Public Relations Officer
Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency
April 26, 2025
