The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has over 1,116,677 children to be immunized against polio in 2025.
Flagging in off the campaign held in the Palace of Sarki Jiwa, HRH Alj Idris Musa over the weekend in Abuja, the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, led the charge, called on all residents to support the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) holding from May 4 to 10, 2025.
The Mandate Secretary, represented at the occasion by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babagana Adam, declared that no eligible child in the FCT should miss the life-saving oral polio vaccine.
He noted that vaccine-preventable diseases remain a major cause of childhood illness and death in Nigeria and the FCT.
Dr. Fasawe explained that the campaign is not just about vaccination, but also about restoring public confidence and building demand through effective communication and community engagement.
“We cannot afford complacency. From May 4 to 10, we must mobilize all mothers, caregivers, schools, churches, mosques to ensure every child is reached”.
“The FCTA has adopted an integrated health approach to expose caregivers and children to multiple interventions that improve their health and allow them to thrive.
“The FCT has deployed 154 fixed post teams across health facilities and 1,152 house-to-house teams that will comb through communities, including homes, markets, schools, churches, and mosques.
“These teams will ensure that no child is left behind, no matter where they live. I rely on all of you present today to become NIPDs ambassadors and take this message to every corner of the FCT,” Fasawe said, adding that the effort aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Sarkin Jiwa, His Royal Highness Dr. Idris Musa, had earlier in his address challenged traditional leaders and health officials to step up their responsibilities, as there are lapses in grassroots immunization.
The monarch emphasized the importance of routine immunization, citing global examples like Saudi Arabia, where pilgrims are not allowed entry without polio vaccination.
“Enough is enough, we cannot afford to waste any more time. “By tomorrow morning, all local chiefs and officials must be on the ground advising and supporting their communities. This is not the time to sit in offices.”
“That’s how serious the rest of the world is about polio. We must take it just as seriously here,” he said.
Musa called for a review of FCT’s micro-planning strategies to match the territory’s rapidly growing population and the associated health risks.
The monarch warned that: “FCT is expanding, and infections are coming in. We must act fast and plan smarter”.
He announced a high-level meeting with stakeholders, including the World Health Organization (WHO), to enhance coordination.
“Supervision is key. Let the Directors and Heads of Departments get out of their offices and into the field. That’s how we regain trust,” he said, pledging his full support to the immunization campaign.
The W.H.O. Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, in his goodwill message, described the strategic response to public health threats adopted by FCT as a model for other states.
“I’m very proud of what the FCT has achieved. When the diphtheria outbreak hit Nigeria, the FCT was the only place where it was crushed from the beginning. That shows the strength of leadership here.
“Vaccination is a human right for our children. This campaign is launching during Africa Vaccination Week, reminding us that immunization is humanly possible and morally necessary,” he said.
Mulombo emphasized that immunization is not just a public health duty, but a fundamental human right. explained that while Nigeria was certified polio-free, the resurgence of vaccine-derived strains poses a renewed threat.
“We now have a better tool, the novel oral polio vaccine (nOPV), and we must finish the job before the end of this year,” he said.
He applauded health workers in the FCT for their commitment, acknowledging their willingness to prioritize immunization even during busy schedules.
The W.H.O. official also commended the political will of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the traditional institutions for their support.
“If Nigeria gets it right, Africa will be free of polio. And when Africa is free, the world will be free,” he added.
In his message, the Permanent Secretary of the FCTA, Dr. Babagana Adam, represented by Dr Ruqqaya Wamakko, Acting Executive Secretary of the FCT Primary Healthcare Board, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining Nigeria’s certification as a polio-free country.
“Today, we are here to flag off the April 2025 National Immunization Plus Days, a national assignment for the benefit of our women and children, particularly the most vulnerable,” he said.
