The Bauchi State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other development partners, has officially flagged off the 2025 polio immunisation campaign, aiming to vaccinate all children under the age of five across the state.
The campaign was launched on Friday at Tirwun community in Bauchi metropolis, with the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, declaring the immunisation effort a top priority for the state’s health sector.
Mohammed revealed that over 2.5 million doses of the Novel Oral Polio Vaccine (nOPV) had been supplied to Bauchi for the exercise, with particular attention directed toward zero-dose children those who have never received any form of immunisation.
“This year’s campaign is not business as usual,” he warned. “With support from security agencies, including the DSS and police, this vaccination is mandatory. Refusal to comply will attract arrest. We are no longer begging; this is a matter of child survival.”
The board has deployed 160 monitors, including civil society organisations, to ensure a smooth and comprehensive rollout. Special oversight will also take place in Ganjuwa, Bauchi, and Ningi Local Government Areas, where clusters of unvaccinated children have been reported.
Mohammed commended UNICEF, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and other partners for their financial and logistical support, which he said was critical in reaching every household even in insecure or resistant areas.
UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Bauchi, Nuzhat Rafique, represented by Eki George, Head of Social Behaviour Change, reaffirmed UNICEF’s unwavering commitment to eradicating polio in the state.
“The fight against polio is far from over,” she said. “We urge fathers to give consent to their wives to allow their children to be vaccinated. No child must be left behind.”
She noted that UNICEF had intensified community mobilisation efforts and was working closely with the state government to ensure full compliance and public trust in the campaign.
The District Head of Tirwun, Alhaji Ahmad Muhammad, also praised the collaborative effort and called on traditional rulers to take an active role in monitoring the vaccination process within their domains.
“We must all play our part to protect our children. No effort should be spared,” he said.
The campaign is expected to run across all 20 LGAs of the state, as Bauchi moves toward strengthening its public health infrastructure and eliminating polio once and for all.
