Muyideen Aliyu, llorin
More than one million children have been vaccinated across Kwara State as the government intensifies its renewed offensive against polio, ahead of the 2026 immunisation campaign scheduled to begin on May 2. The large-scale effort forms part of a broader strategy to eliminate the disease through strengthened stakeholder engagement, expanded grassroots mobilisation, and targeted awareness campaigns designed to improve vaccine acceptance in communities across the state.
At a recent stakeholders’ meeting, religious leaders, community leaders, market leaders, and education experts were sensitised on the significance of the immunisation exercise and the vital responsibilities they carry in ensuring its success.
State officials stressed the importance of grassroots mobilisation, building trust within communities, and securing active participation so that no eligible child is left out during the campaign, which is scheduled to commence across the state on May 2.
Speaking during the engagement, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KWSPHCDA), Prof. Nusirat Elelu, who was represented by the Agency’s Director of Personnel, Finance, and Supply, Mr Ajide Olayioye, underscored the influence of stakeholders as credible voices within their communities.
She called on them to take ownership of the polio eradication effort by encouraging caregivers to present their children for vaccination. She also disclosed that no fewer than one million children have so far been vaccinated across the 16 Local Government Areas of Kwara State.
According to the Executive Secretary, the success achieved during the March immunisation campaign was largely driven by the commitment and hard work of vaccination teams deployed across the state.
The Social Behavioural Consultant from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Dr Usman Danlami, observed that some Local Government Areas recorded cases of non-compliance during the previous immunisation campaign, stemming from absenteeism, houses not visited, and outright refusal to participate.
He appealed to media practitioners and relevant stakeholders to strengthen public awareness efforts among mothers and caregivers in order to address the recurring challenge of non-compliance.
Also speaking, the State Social Mobilisation Officer, Dr Dupe Shittu, stated that misinformation continues to pose a major obstacle to vaccine uptake.
She explained that some parents still avoid polio vaccination because of rumours concerning harmful side effects on children, a situation that leaves many vulnerable to a preventable disease.
Shittu clarified that while reactions to drugs and vaccines may differ from one individual to another, such responses are usually mild and manageable.
She advised parents to promptly visit the nearest health facility if they observe any unusual reaction after their child receives a vaccine, rather than avoiding immunisation entirely.
The Focal Person for Community Engagement at the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Mr Adisa Sulaiman Tekobo, stated that the programme was designed to bring together key stakeholders and media professionals to align social mobilisation strategies for improved caregiver awareness, increased service uptake, and stronger community participation.
He further explained that community leaders and traditional rulers were actively involved in resolving issues of non-compliance encountered during the previous campaign, with the goal of improving acceptance and participation at the grassroots level.