The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)-funded integrated vaccination campaign has extended its outreach to both public and private schools across Taraba State.
The campaign covers routine immunization, Measles-Rubella, Polio, and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccines.
Reporters who monitored the exercise in several schools in Jalingo on Wednesday observed large turnouts of pupils, with school administrators ensuring smooth coordination.
At Sabon-Gari Primary School, Champion International School in Mayo-Gwoi, and Omas Royal Academy, Magami, among others, head teachers, proprietors, administrators, and caregivers worked closely with vaccinators to ensure that no child was left out.
Some school heads who spoke with reporters said they were directed by the state’s health authorities and the Ministry of Education to give full cooperation to the campaign.
Mrs. Patricia Ogbodo, Proprietress of Champion International School, said the long-standing support and goodwill from UNICEF through the state government motivated their active participation.
“Whenever they bring any programme like this, we know it’s for the good of our children, so we don’t hesitate,” Ogbodo said.
Similarly, Mrs. Pwanti Papilo, a community mobiliser, said she intensified her door-to-door awareness campaign to encourage parents to bring their children for vaccination.
She noted that the training, tools, and motivation provided by international partners, especially UNICEF, had made her work easier.
“The support we have received from UNICEF made it easier to connect with caregivers. We’re not just going house to house — we’re seeing real change in attitudes, especially from communities that were once hesitant,” Papilo said.
A parent, Mr. Tainimu Audu, expressed appreciation for the initiative, recalling the positive impact of past vaccination campaigns in protecting children from preventable diseases.
“I’ve seen how these vaccines work. I just wish the programme could last longer so that more children can benefit,” Audu said.
Another parent, Mrs. Halima Sani, commended UNICEF and the Taraba State Government for the campaign, noting that the integrated approach was a major improvement over previous exercises.
“This vaccination will go a long way in improving the health of our people,” Sani added.
The campaign, which commenced on October 17, 2025, is ongoing across the state.
