THE Delta State Government has flagged-off the first round of the 2025 National Immunization Plus Days NIPD (Polio campaign) in the state.
Speaking in Asaba during the flag-off ceremony, Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme noted that the campaign would boost population herd immunity. He advised parents of children/wards that are within the target age group to bring them to receive the oral polio vaccine and other vaccines.
According to Onyeme, “the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) is meant to bridge the gap in routine immunization, considering that Polio disease paralyzes and causes death to those affected.
“Nigeria recorded 166 cases of variant polio virus type 2 in 2023, and 122 cases in 2024. This is associated with existing pockets of zero-dose children. In this coming campaign, the novel oral polio vaccine (nOPV) will be administered to children aged 0 – 59 months from house to house and at fixed vaccination posts. Other strategic areas to be visited by health workers are Schools, worship places, Markets, and Transit points.”
He reiterated that the campaign for immunisation is a key part of Governor Oborevwori’s MORE agenda, stating that the administration of Governor Oborevwori is people-oriented and involves the health security of all Deltans, with no bias to their geographical location, religious and social status.
While urging all stakeholders to ensure all hands are on deck, he said that the success of the campaign rests on the collective responsibility of parents and caregivers to ensure their wards are vaccinated. He further enjoined Traditional, Religious and Political leaders, including public corporate organizations to fully cooperate and support the initiative to ensure that Delta State achieves the desired vaccination coverage.
“In our march towards attaining universal health coverage I sincerely, on behalf of the Government of Delta State, appreciate our partners in progress – WHO, UNICEF for your technical and logistic support; The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) for its meaningful coordination; the Honourable commissioner for Health, Delta State and his health team, The Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency and all health workers for your deserving sacrifices and commitment.”
Earlier in his address, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme disclosed that the polio virus is transmitted from person to person through the faeco-oral route. He attributed the spread of the virus to the poor sanitary conditions that are still rife in Nigeria.
He then reaffirmed the preparedness of the government to ensure trained Health Workers are deployed to vaccinate children 0- 59 months from house to house and in the fixed and accessible health facilities across the state.
