The Kwara State Government says it targets to vaccinate 1.2 million children against poliomyelitis during the 2026 mass immunisation campaign in the state.
It was reported that the state has intensified campaigns across rural communities for the mass immunisation of all eligible children aged zero to 59 months.
It will be recalled that the state recorded two confirmed cases of Circulating Variant Poliovirus Type 2 (cVPV2) in December 2025 in Kiama Local Government Area, and an additional case in January 2026.
Prof. Nusirat Elelu, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, who spoke at the flag-off of the immunisation campaign in Afon, Asa Local Government Area, restated the resolve of the Kwara Government to ensure the protection of every child from poliomyelitis.
She said that the state government, in collaboration with development partners, had put in place necessary life-saving strategies and immunisation measures aimed at protecting children in the state.
She recalled that members of communities in Asa LGA were previously uncooperative and vaccine-hesitant, but noted that significant progress had now been recorded, with increased support for government healthcare interventions.
Elelu appealed to traditional, community and religious leaders to continue supporting government immunisation efforts to achieve a zero-polio status in the state.
The Executive Secretary also pledged the government’s commitment to continue revamping and renovating Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and general hospitals across the state.
Also speaking, Dr. Lukman Ahmed, Health Officer of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), said that due to the efforts of the Kwara Government, the state ranked second in the recently concluded “Identifying, Enumeration and Micro Plan” exercise nationwide.
He explained that vaccination remains critical to ensuring that Nigeria regains and sustains its polio-free status.
Ahmed noted that with the commitment of all stakeholders, all children would be protected from the disease.
“UNICEF will continue to provide support, including technical assistance, monitoring, mobilisation and countering disinformation,” he said.
The Health Officer urged community leaders to support the immunisation exercise across all local government areas in the state.
In his address, the Chairman of Asa LGA, Shehu Amasa, appealed to residents to support the vaccination exercise to protect children from the disease.
“We must not deviate from world-class standards in the administration of vaccines and other drugs.
“Our healthcare officials must demonstrate a high level of commitment, perseverance and resilience in the discharge of their responsibilities,” he said.
The District Head of Afon, Kolapo Hannafi, pledged to ensure that all children in the community are immunised.
He also commended the state government for the life-saving intervention.
