The Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Authority (PHCDA) has consistently identified the media as a key partner in delivering healthcare services, particularly in rural areas. The agency urged media practitioners to focus on positive efforts to encourage caregivers, partner organizations, and foreign donors.
Stakeholder Engagement Highlights
Dr. Dupe Shittu, the PHCDA State Mobilisation Officer (SMO), sought media understanding, support, and partnership during a weekend stakeholder engagement. The meeting reviewed the March polio immunization campaign and outlined strategies to address lingering resistance and missed cases. She described the media as a vital solution to missed cases and successful healthcare outreach in the state.
Dr. Shittu lamented that despite growing awareness and improved turnout, more work is needed to ensure no child is left unvaccinated. She emphasized that the PHCDA is committed to reaching every eligible child, with success depending on public understanding and cooperation, which can be bolstered by media efforts.
Misinformation as a Major Obstacle
Mr. Olayioye Ajide, the agency’s Director of Finance and Supply, noted that misinformation remains a major obstacle, especially at the grassroots level. “Many caregivers still doubt the reality of polio, making it difficult to achieve full compliance,” he said, calling on the media to help bridge this gap. He added that beyond administering vaccines, the campaign focuses on continuous dialogue with communities to build trust and encourage participation.
UNICEF's Call for Media Role
Mr. Adisa Salmon, representing UNICEF, urged media practitioners to play a more active role in public sensitization. He charged journalists to provide accurate information, counter rumors, and help bridge the gap between health workers and communities. “We need to come together to engage people, correct misinformation, and make them understand that polio is real and preventable,” he stated.
Campaign Findings and Challenges
Findings from the March campaign showed a mix of progress and challenges. While health workers recorded improved coverage, cases of non-compliance were still observed. Many were resolved through immediate community engagement and sensitization. Post-campaign assessment revealed that some children were not vaccinated due to initial caregiver refusal, though awareness remained high.
In Ilorin East Local Government Area and other assessed LGAs, officials reported increased awareness after the campaign, but full compliance has not yet been achieved. Campaign data highlighted variations in performance across LGAs, with some areas showing higher uptake and fewer missed children, while others require intensified follow-up and community engagement.
Future Strategies
Health authorities emphasize that sustained community engagement, stronger media collaboration, and targeted awareness campaigns will be key to addressing vaccine hesitancy and ensuring wider coverage in future rounds. They reiterated their commitment to eradicating polio in Kwara State, urging residents to support the initiative and ensure all eligible children are vaccinated.
