World Polio Day: 22,000 Children yet to receive routine Immunization in Bauchi- UNICEF reveals 

From: Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi Bauchi 

The United Nations children’s Fund UNICEF has said that about twenty two 22,000 children have not received routine polio immunization in Bauchi State.

Speaking to reporters during campaign rally to in commemoration of the world Polio Day in Bauchi, the chief field office of the UNICEF Bauchi, Nuzhat Rafique said That the outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived polio virus (cVDPV) continue to persist with 4 cases of cVDPV2 (73 cases Nationally) documented in Bauchi in 2024

She said that “Child deaths and physical disabilities that polio causes can be banished from Bauchi, Nigeria, and the world if we continue our commitment to stopping polio outbreaks”

She further said that “To fully eliminate polio, every child in every household must receive the vaccine. Unfortunately, thousands of children are still missing out. The global decline in childhood immunization coverage has led to rising outbreaks, even in countries that have been polio-free for decades.

“For over 2 decades UNICEF has supported Bauchi state in its Polio Eradication Initiatives and Immunization Plus Days (IPDs) campaigns”

“This year alone we have supported 3 Statewide Polio Outbreak Response (OBR) campaigns and 2 targeted local OBRs in 4 LGAs with funding for vaccine logistics, social mobilization and technical assistance”

“It is heartwarming to note that Bauchi has been free of wild polio virus since the last case in 2013. However, we are still contending with the variant form of the virus.Despite this success, 2.3 million children in Nigeria and around 22,000 children in Bauchi State have not received routine immunization (Zero dose).

She said that the outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived polio virus (cVDPV) continue to persist with 4 cases of cVDPV2 (73 cases Nationally) documented in Bauchi in 2024.

“The continued spread of polio serves as a crucial reminder that until we eradicate all forms of this disease, children everywhere remain at risk. We face significant challenges in this fight, but UNICEF is dedicated to working with governments and partners to protect children from polio”

“Through Social and Behavior Change (SBC) strategies, we are leading initiatives to increase acceptance and demand for the polio vaccine among parents and caregivers”

She said that the battle against polio is particularly difficult in the most challenging environments, yet eradication is attainable. 

Rafique calls on the government at various levels to Prioritize vaccination for all children against polio, especially in hard-to-reach areas and communities with low immunization rates and to strengthen immunization systems to ensure every child receives essential, life-saving vaccines. (zero children with 

zero dose status).

To also allocate critical technical and financial resources to local efforts to swiftly address outbreaks and guarantee that children are vaccinated.Keep the polio eradication on the front burner of political discourse while leveraging innovative solutions and coordinated actions to enhance the quality of immunization campaigns.

The UNICEF Bauchi Chief Field Office, Nuzhat Rafique urged Bauchi emirate council to support the mobilization of parents and caregivers to make their children available for vaccinations and to support the resolution of non compliance during and after campaigns.