The Kwara State Government has officially launched the second phase of its polio immunisation campaign targeting children under the age of five.

This crucial initiative is set to reach every corner of the state, with particular attention being placed on remote and hard-to-access areas. Scheduled to run from Saturday, 20th April to Tuesday, 23rd April, 2024, the campaign aims to ensure that all eligible children receive the necessary vaccination.

During the flag-off ceremony of this campaign, Dr Nusirat Elelu, the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, emphasized the importance of parental, religious, and educational institution involvement in ensuring the successful coverage of the target age group.

Dr Elelu also reasserted the safety and effectiveness of the polio vaccine, reassuring the public that it is both reliable and beneficial for the health and well-being of the children.

“I enjoin all parents, caregivers, religious houses, schools, and Quranic institutions to make eligible children available for vaccination as the teams move from house to house, markets, religious houses, and schools.

“All children 0-5 years are expected to be vaccinated irrespective of their previous vaccination status. Let me reiterate that the vaccine is safe, efficacious, and does not have an overdose.”

Elelu explained that poliomyelitis is a contagious viral disease that primarily impacts children under the age of five, with transmission occurring through contact with contaminated water, food, or feces.

Despite Nigeria’s certification as polio-free, she emphasized the importance of maintaining this status by protecting at-risk children through increased immunization efforts.

She disclosed plans for 2,034 vaccination teams to conduct door-to-door vaccinations to ensure all eligible children receive necessary protection.