The Gombe government, in collaboration with the federal government and the United Nations Children’s Fund, has inaugurated the National Immunisation Plus Days campaign in the state.

The campaign targets 832,427 children for polio vaccination.

Inaugurating the exercise on Friday in the Swa community, Balanga LGA, Deputy Governor Manassah Jatau, said the event also marked the launch of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week.

Mr Jatau described the integrated campaign as crucial to protecting the health of children and expectant mothers.

“This campaign targets 832,427 eligible children and pregnant women across the 11 LGAs, focusing on polio vaccination for children under five. It will ensure vitamin A supplementation for 770,852 children aged 6–59 months, to boost their immune system and prevent night blindness.

“Deworming for children aged 12–59 months, to improve nutritional status and reduce worm infestation, will also be part of the campaign. During the exercise, malnutrition screening for children aged 6–59 months will be carried out to ensure early detection and management. Multiple micronutrient supplements will be provided for 214,126 pregnant women to support a healthy pregnancy,” he said.

He added that Sulphadoxine–Pyrimethamine would be provided for pregnant women to prevent malaria and related complications.

“The campaign will also include health education on essential household practices to empower communities with knowledge on healthy living,” said the deputy governor.

Mr Jatau urged stakeholders, community members, and development partners to support the exercise to protect children and pregnant women and promote healthier communities. He commended partners, community leaders, and health workers for their commitment to improving health outcomes in the state.

Haruna Gambo, zonal technical officer at the National Primary HealthCare Development Agency, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to the well-being of children and mothers across the country.

He noted that the integrated campaign would strengthen the immunisation system and improve community health.

(NAN)