Kwara State Initiates Ambitious Polio Vaccination Drive
The Kwara State Government has launched an initiative to vaccinate at least 1.2 million children as part of a comprehensive campaign against polio set for roll-out in 2026. This proactive measure underscores the state’s commitment to public health and disease prevention.
In line with this initiative, the government is focusing its efforts on rural areas, aiming to vaccinate all children ages 0 to 59 months. This increased urgency appears to be a direct response to two recent confirmed cases of variant poliovirus type 2 (CvPv2) reported in Kiama Local Government in December 2025, along with another case in January 2026.
During the closing ceremony of the immunization campaign in Afon, the headquarters of Asa Local Government Area, Executive Director of the Kwara State Primary Health Development Agency, Prof. Nsirat Eler, emphasized the government’s dedication to eradicating polio. She stressed the importance of reaching every child to prevent the virus’s spread.
Prof. Eler highlighted the state’s collaboration with various development partners to implement vital life-saving immunization strategies. She noted that the Asa LGA had previously faced challenges such as vaccine hesitancy and non-compliance, but significant strides have been made as local communities increasingly support government health initiatives.
Mr. Elelu called upon religious and traditional leaders to play a pivotal role in promoting vaccination campaigns, asserting that their support is crucial to achieving zero polio outbreaks within the state. He further pledged the government’s commitment to modernizing Primary Health Care Centers (PHCs) and general hospitals across Kwara to enhance healthcare delivery.
Dr. Luqman Ahmed, the Director of Health at UNICEF, shared that the recent efforts have positioned Kwara as the second-best state in Nigeria for “Identification, Investigation, and Micro-Planning” following the vaccination campaign. He stressed that maintaining high vaccination coverage is essential for Nigeria to reclaim its status as a polio-free nation.
Dr. Ahmed urged local leaders to foster community engagement in vaccination programs, emphasizing that collective action among stakeholders is paramount for protecting every child from the disease. He stated that UNICEF remains committed to offering a full suite of support services, including technical assistance and proactive public engagement to combat misinformation surrounding vaccinations.
In his address, the Chairman of Asa LGA, Alhaji Shehu Amasa, called upon community members to rally behind the vaccination initiative, emphasizing the urgency of protecting children from this preventable disease. He stressed the need for medical personnel to uphold world-class standards in vaccine administration and to demonstrate unwavering dedication to public health responsibilities.
