The Niger Government has inaugurated an Immunisation Plus campaign aimed at protecting children against polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

The Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, inaugurated the campaign in Minna on Monday, targeting children and other vulnerable groups.

Mr Garba said that the initiative formed part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce maternal and child mortality and improve public health outcomes.

He noted that the campaign would ensure adequate sensitisation and mobilisation of communities to access routine immunisation services.

The deputy governor urged parents, caregivers, teachers, and community leaders to ensure that all eligible children were presented for vaccination.

“Immunisation remains one of the most effective tools for preventing childhood diseases and disabilities,” he said.

Mr Garba emphasised that the state government would continue to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure strict adherence to health standards and protocols.

He warned that refusal to accept immunisation constituted a violation of existing laws and could attract sanctions, including imprisonment.

The deputy governor also called on traditional and religious institutions to intensify community mobilisation and awareness campaigns, noting that their involvement was critical to building trust and ensuring vaccine acceptance at the grassroots level.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Gov. Mohammed Umaru-Bago to achieving a disease-free society, adding that the government would continue to invest in healthcare programmes to promote citizens’ well-being.

In his remarks, Murtala Bagana, the Commissioner for Health, said the campaign was essential to preventing a resurgence of polio cases in two wards of Chanchaga Local Government Area.

Mr Bagana noted that sustained immunisation efforts were necessary to consolidate gains recorded in disease control.

He said that the state had prioritised primary healthcare financing to improve service delivery across health facilities.

According to him, strengthening the healthcare system would enhance access, quality, and community confidence in services.

Also speaking, Mustapha Jibrin, the chairman of Chanchaga Local Government Area, said measures had been put in place to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

Mr Jibrin said the council had intensified awareness campaigns to ensure that residents were adequately informed about the importance of the immunisation exercise.

He acknowledged initial compliance challenges among some Islamiya schools, adding that the issue had been resolved following engagement with relevant authorities.

The chairman urged parents and caregivers to take advantage of the campaign to protect their children against polio and other diseases.

The Immunisation Plus Days campaign will run from May 2 to May 5 across the 25 local government areas of the state. 

(NAN)