By Hajara Leman
The Rotary International and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) have taken Polio and the integrated Measles-Rubella vaccination Campaign to Kwami Local Government Area (LGA) of Gombe State.
Speaking in Jurara village of Kwami LGA on Friday, Dr. Jide Owolodun, a measles-rubella consultant, said the campaign is part of a broader nationwide immunisation effort in Nigeria aimed at eradicating vaccine-preventable diseases among children.
Owolodun, who represents the Africa Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) in Gombe State, explained that the 2025 campaign is an integrated immunisation exercise that combines measles, rubella, and polio vaccines for children across the state.
He said several antigens were included in the exercise, such as the measles-rubella vaccine for children aged nine months to 14 years, the novel oral polio vaccine (NOPV) for children aged 0–59 months, and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for nine-year-old girls. He added that the entire routine immunisation schedule was being strengthened to ensure children are protected against all vaccine-preventable diseases.
According to him, the turnout for the exercise had been impressive, a success he attributed to the commitment of the Kwami LGA Chairman, the District Head of Jurara, and staff of the Primary Health Care Department. He urged residents to ensure every eligible child is vaccinated during the 10-day campaign period.
In his remarks, Chairman of Kwami Local Government Council, Dr. Ahmed Wali, commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya, Rotary International, and other development partners for their continued support in promoting child health through immunisation.
Wali recalled that in the past, polio infections were often linked to superstitious beliefs and misconceptions, but assured that under his leadership, no effort would be spared to ensure that every eligible child in the area is vaccinated. He appealed to parents and guardians to prioritise immunisation as a vital step in protecting children from diseases such as polio and human papillomavirus.
Also speaking, the District Head of Jurara, Alhaji Mu’awuya Hassan, pledged to mobilise his community members to present their children for vaccination. The highlight of the event was a community rally led by the local government chairman to sensitise residents about the ongoing vaccination campaign.
