The Bauchi State government has engaged media practitioners to strengthen awareness creation and improve immunisation coverage.

The media dialogue is being organised by the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Safiyanu Ahmed, director of Primary Healthcare (PHC), said this on Friday at a media interactive session in Bauchi.

He said the media is crucial to the success of the immunisation campaign and should be fully informed of all protocols to enable it to intensify public awareness and mobilise participation in the exercise.

Mr Ahmed said the April round of the immunisation campaign would integrate the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) with the administration of Azithromycin.

“Azithromycin is an antibiotic given to children for treatment of upper respiratory tract infections,” he said.

The director said the number of personnel for each vaccination team has been increased from three to five to improve outreach and efficiency.

Moses Egehye, a UNICEF specialist, underscored the critical role of the media in highlighting gaps in immunisation coverage to attract support from the government and partners.

He charged media practitioners to promote accountability, encourage sustained investment in immunisation, and support community mobilisation by educating parents on the importance of vaccinating their children.

Mr Egehye also enjoined journalists to share positive stories and showcase role models to boost participation, as well as counter misinformation through interviews, fact-checks, and talk shows.

He said the measure was imperative to build public confidence in immunisation programmes.

Also, Nasir Shaibu, State Immunisation Officer, said the state government is targeting over two million children for vaccination during the Special Immunisation Plus Days (SIPDs) exercise, billed to hold between May 3 and May 9, 2026. 

(NAN)