From May 4–10, 2025, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will be holding the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs), and they are launching a campaign to vaccinate more than 1,116,677 children against polio. They are urging all people to rally behind this initiative.
Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, spearheaded the effort at the official launch in Abuja’s Palace of Sarki Jiwa, HRH Alj Idris Musa, over the weekend, stating that no eligible child in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) should go without the potentially lifesaving oral polio vaccine.
At the event, Fasawe, who was accompanied by Dr. Babagana Adam, the Permanent Secretary, made the observation that vaccine-preventable diseases continue to be a leading cause of illness and mortality among children in Nigeria and the FCT.
“Slacking off is not an option. To make sure every child gets reached, we must rally all mothers, caregivers, schools, churches, and mosques from May 4 to 10, she said.
Fasawe elaborated that the campaign’s goals extend beyond immunization to include regaining public trust and increasing demand through strategic outreach and participation in local communities.
She stated that the FCTA has taken an integrated health strategy, which involves exposing children and caregivers to various interventions that enhance their health and enable them to thrive.
The Federal Capital Territory has sent 1,152 house-to-house teams to canvass neighborhoods, including residences, marketplaces, schools, places of worship, and mosques, in addition to 154 fixed post teams to distribute the vaccine throughout health institutions.
No child, no matter their location, will be left behind thanks to these teams. Fasawe emphasized that the initiative is in line with Nigeria’s dedication to attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and he urged everyone in attendance to become ambassadors for the National Initiative for Public Diplomacy (NIPD) and spread the word throughout the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a previous statement, His Royal Highness Dr. Idris Musa, the Sarkin Jiwa, condemned shortcomings in community vaccination programs and urged traditional elders and government health workers to do more.
“We can’t afford to squander any more time; enough is enough,” he proclaimed. Every single local authority and chief needs to be out there counseling and supporting their people before tomorrow am. Do not waste time sitting in offices during this period.
The king made a point of stressing the significance of regular vaccinations, bringing up instances around the world where it is mandatory for pilgrims to be polio-vaccinated before they may enter, such as Saudi Arabia.
The global community takes the issue of polio very seriously. He insisted that everyone here take it seriously.
Musa also demanded that FCT reevaluate its micro-planning policies in light of the health dangers connected with the territory’s fast expanding population.
Infections are pouring in as FCT is growing. “We need to move quickly and make better plans,” he cautioned. He announced a summit gathering of key players, including the WHO, to improve cooperation.
Key is supervision. Department heads and directors need to leave their offices and go out into the field. “That’s how we regain trust,” he declared, endorsing the vaccination drive with all his might.
Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Country Representative to Nigeria, commended the FCT in his goodwill letter for its proactive approach to public health crises and said other states should take note.
My utmost pride is in the accomplishments of the FCT. When the diphtheria outbreak hit Nigeria, the FCT was the only place where it was crushed from the beginning. He remarked that it demonstrated the strength of the leadership in this area. Mulombo underlined that immunization is not merely a public health duty, but a fundamental human right.
Our children have a right to get vaccinated. This campaign is debuting during Africa Vaccination Week, reminding us that immunization is humanly achievable and morally necessary,” he added.
Even though Nigeria was officially polio-free, he said, vaccine-derived viruses are making a comeback, which is a new danger.
Using the novel oral polio vaccine (nOPV), “we now have a better tool and we must finish the job before the end of this year,” he stated. Despite their hectic schedules, he praised the FCT’s health professionals for their dedication and emphasis on vaccination.
Mulombo also lauded the traditional institutions’ backing and the political determination of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
There would be no more polio in Africa if Nigeria succeeds. “And the world will be free when Africa is free,” he said in his final remarks.
Under the leadership of Dr. Ruqqaya Wamakko, Acting Executive Secretary of the FCT Primary Healthcare Board, the Permanent Secretary of the FCTA, Dr. Babagana Adam, stressed the significance of collective responsibility in upholding Nigeria’s accreditation as a polio-free nation.
“We are together here today to launch the April 2025 National Immunization Plus Days, a nationwide initiative for the well-being of our children and women, especially those who are most at risk.”