The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched a massive immunization campaign targeting children under the age of five, deploying a total of 1,152 mobile teams across the 62 wards of its six Area Councils. The initiative aims to combat the spread of the poliovirus and boost immunization coverage in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
As part of the comprehensive outreach strategy, the teams will conduct house-to-house visits and engage in outreach activities at strategic locations including churches, mosques, schools, and other community gathering points. In addition, 154 fixed post teams have been stationed at various health facilities to support the effort.
This was disclosed by the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, during the official flag-off ceremony held at the palace of the Sarkin Jiwa, Alhaji Idris Musa. Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Secretariat, Dr. Babagana Adam, Dr. Fasawe announced that the first round of the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) in the FCT would run from Sunday, May 4th to Saturday, May 10th, 2025.
To encourage participation, children receiving the oral polio vaccine during the exercise will be given incentives such as candies, sachet milk, and other small treats.
Dr. Fasawe emphasized that vaccine-preventable diseases remain a major cause of childhood illness and death in Nigeria, including the FCT. She noted that the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), in partnership with key stakeholders, has introduced NIPDs as a strategy to enhance routine immunization coverage.
She highlighted a shift in immunization strategy from isolated campaigns to a more integrated approach, which not only administers vaccines but also introduces families to other essential health interventions available through existing systems and outreach programs.
Calling on all stakeholders to act as ambassadors of the NIPDs, she urged community leaders, caregivers, and religious institutions to support and mobilize eligible children to access vaccination at the nearest health facilities or outreach points. The program targets children aged 0 to 59 months, with each child receiving two drops of potent oral polio vaccine.
Dr. Walter Mulombo, the Country Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), commended the FCT Administration for its effective surveillance systems and praised its successful efforts in curbing the recent diphtheria outbreak.
The Sarkin Jiwa, Alhaji Idris Musa, pledged the full support of the traditional institution and instructed local chiefs in his jurisdiction to work closely with other community leaders to ensure widespread participation and success of the immunization campaign.
