In a significant step towards enhancing the health and well-being of its citizens, particularly children, Adamawa State Government, in collaboration with the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund, has launched a coordinated health campaign.
The campaign marks the commencement of the 2025 National Immunization plus Days, World Malaria Day, and Africa Vaccination Week.
The official flag-off ceremony took place at the Malkohi Primary Health Care facility in Yola South, symbolizing the state’s commitment to protecting its children against vaccine-preventable diseases, especially poliomyelitis.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, represented by Alhaji Yayaji Mijinyawa, Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, stressed that the immunization campaign is vital for the state’s children’s lives and futures, emphasizing that their health and well-being are fundamental to Adamawa State’s progress.
The Governor assured that the immunization campaign would strive to reach every child in every settlement and household, leaving no one behind.
He encouraged parents to present their children for immunization, assuring them of the state government’s commitment to strengthening its primary health care system.
In her speech, the UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Bauchi, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, says UNICEF is working with the Adamawa State Government towards improving the well-being of children in the state and the country in general.
She called on parents and caregivers across the state to present their eligible children for the vaccination exercise, explaining that the campaign is aimed at immunizing children against polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
Dr. Rafique assured the members of the public that the vaccine is safe, free and effective.
Markus Yohanna, State Coordinator of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and the UNICEF Chief of Field Office Bauchi, commended Adamawa State’s progress in immunization and malaria control, advocating for a continued inclusive healthcare approach to reach all children, urging parents to avail their their children aged 0-5 for immunization against Polio and other diseases.
Adamawa State Coordinator of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Yusuf Abdulhakim, acknowledged progress in combating Polio and Malaria, and improving immunization coverage, while urging the government to enhance domestic investment, ensure sustainable immunization funding, and integrate vaccines into essential services to broaden access.
The launch of the coordinated health campaign is a significant step in Adamawa State’s efforts to protect children and promote their health, with support from international partners like WHO and UNICEF, positioning the state to make meaningful progress in immunization and malaria control, and ultimately improving citizens’ lives.
The immunization campaign targets about 1.4 million children in Adamawa State.
