The Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency, in partnership with development organisations, has launched the second phase of the Immunisation Plus Days campaign, aiming to reach approximately 2.5 million children aged 0 to 59 months across all 25 local government areas of the state.
Governor reaffirms commitment to child health
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the Emir's Palace in Minna, Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago emphasised that the exercise underscores his administration's dedication to reducing maternal and child mortality by eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly in rural areas. Represented by his deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, the governor stated that the campaign is designed to educate communities about the importance of routine immunisation and the ongoing Immunisation Plus Days initiative.
Governor Bago urged parents, caregivers, youth, school teachers, and community leaders to mobilise households to visit primary healthcare facilities and ensure children receive polio and other routine vaccines to prevent paralysis and disability caused by preventable diseases. He called on women's groups, traditional institutions, and religious bodies to conduct door-to-door campaigns to promote the benefits of immunisation.
The governor assured that the state government would continue to collaborate closely with health sector stakeholders to maintain adherence to standards, guidelines, and protocols.
Health commissioner highlights investments
In his keynote address, the Niger State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Muhammad Bagana, noted that the government has consistently invested in public health interventions, including sustained funding for polio immunisation campaigns and other supplemental immunisation activities. He stressed that these measures are vital for protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases and preventing a possible resurgence.
Dr. Bagana added, "No health system can function effectively without the right human resources. This administration has taken deliberate steps to strengthen the frontline health workforce, including the recent absorption of workers previously engaged under GAVI and MAMI-supported programmes into the state health system."
Campaign progress and outreach
Earlier, the Executive Director of the Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Inuwa Junaidu, reported that the Immunisation Plus Days campaign, which ran from May 2 to May 5, 2026, has been progressing steadily across the state. He noted that many children remain vulnerable, especially those who missed routine immunisation, and appealed to residents to cooperate with vaccination teams conducting house-to-house visits.
Dr. Junaidu explained that the second round of the 2026 campaign was specifically designed to reach children in hard-to-reach, underserved, and vulnerable communities throughout the state.
Development partners pledge support
In separate goodwill messages, representatives of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, and other development partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the fight against polio and other diseases in Niger State.
The highlight of the event was the symbolic administration of vaccines to children by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba.
