The Kwara State Government has expressed renewed resolve to tackle resistance and missed cases in poliomyelitis immunisation across the 16 local government areas through strengthened strategies and stakeholder engagement efforts statewide.
Dr Dupe Shittu of the Kwara Primary Healthcare Development Agency stated this on Wednesday in Ilorin during a stakeholder engagement and review of the March polio immunisation campaign.
She explained that the meeting aimed to assess the March campaign outcomes and outlined strategies to address lingering resistance and missed cases affecting immunisation coverage in various communities across the state.
According to her, in spite of growing awareness efforts and improved turnout more work remains necessary to ensure that no eligible child is left unvaccinated in the ongoing fight against polio.
Shittu reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to reaching every eligible child emphasising that inclusive coverage remained essential to eliminating polio and safeguarding public health across both urban and rural communities.
She described the media as a critical partner in healthcare delivery particularly in rural areas where access to information was limited and awareness played a key role in influencing public acceptance.
Shittu called for the support and cooperation of media practitioners and stakeholders noting that the success of immunisation campaigns depended largely on public understanding and community participation across the state.
She said that sustained media engagement would help address resistance, encourage caregivers, and support collaboration with partners, including international donors, to strengthen healthcare delivery systems across the state.
Also speaking Mr Olayioye Ajide Director of Finance and Supply at the agency warned that misinformation remained a major obstacle particularly at the grassroots where some caregivers still doubted the existence of polio.
He urged the media to help bridge the gap by sensitising the public to the importance of immunisation and the dangers posed by polio especially to children in vulnerable communities.
A representative of UNICEF Mr Adisa Salmon also called on journalists to provide accurate information, counter rumours and strengthen communication between health workers and communities to improve immunisation outcomes.
The report states that findings from the March campaign showed mixed progress with variations across local government areas.
Some areas recorded higher vaccination uptake while others revealed gaps requiring intensified follow up and engagement