UNICEF, Partners Rally Media for push Against Polio in Northeast Nigerian

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB),and Yobe state Government has launched a new phase of polio vaccination and awareness campaigns, targeting every child under five in Yobe State this November.

The initiative was unveiled during a one-day media dialogue held in Damaturu, themed “Reporting Polio: Covering Gaps and Milestones.” The event brought together journalists from print, radio, and television across the Northeast region to equip them with strategies for accurate reporting and to keep the polio eradication campaign in the public eye.

During a field visit to the Nayi Nawa Primary Health Care Center in damaturu, Dr. Ernest Okoli, UNICEF’s Team Lead in Yobe State, confirmed the details of the ongoing polio vaccination exercise in the state.

“The campaign aims to immunize every eligible child, particularly those who have been missed, to reduce child morbidity and prevent vaccine-preventable diseases,” Dr. Okoli said.

He explained that the intensive vaccination drive will last approximately one week,with additional mop-up days to ensure comprehensive coverage. 

He noted that,the campaign is designed to "leave no child behind" and will also serve as an opportunity to deliver other integrated health services, especially in hard-to-reach rural areas.

Ester Salihu, the Ward Facility Manager for the Nayi-Nawa Primary Health Care Centre,noted significant community compliance as the health workers reported positive progress at the grassroots level.

“In our health facility, we don't have many challenges because women are coming out to receive immunization at any time,” Salihu stated.

She further explained, for families in harder-to-reach areas, her team conducts proactive outreach, immunizing children at designated community spots.

While presenting an overview of the state's polio status, Dr. Umar Chiroma, Director of Immunisation and Disease Control for the Yobe State Primary Health Care Board, reported a significant decline in polio cases over the past year. 

He attributed this success to concerted vaccination efforts, robust community engagement, and improved surveillance.

However, Dr. Chiroma issued a cautionary note,"We have made remarkable strides, but the battle is not yet over," urging for continued vigilance from all sectors.

The media dialogue concluded with a renewed commitment from journalists, health officials, and development partners, solidifying the media's role as an essential ally in the mission to achieve a polio-free Nigeria through consistent and compelling reporting.