Muhammad Jamil Abubakar
As Nigeria pushes to eradicate polio by the end of 2025, UNICEF has raised serious concerns over the high number of unimmunized children in Gombe State, urging immediate and coordinated action ahead of the April 2025 polio immunization campaign.
Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Bauchi, emphasized the critical role of all stakeholders from households to the state government in ensuring that every child is vaccinated.
Over 50% of children under 5 suffer from stunting in Gombe-UNICEF
“This is a very important message for everyone. We need to make sure that each and every child receives the polio vaccine during the campaign,” she stated.
Gombe State currently accounts for over 53,000 “zero-dose” children — those who have never received any dose of the polio vaccine. Of this number, more than 28,000 reside in just five local government areas: Akko, Funakaye, Yamaltu/Deba, Dukku, and Kwami. Additionally, five LGAs — Dukku, Yamaltu/Deba, Akko, Nafada, and Kaltungo — have been identified as high-risk areas requiring intensified support and intervention.
Dr. Rafique stressed that the persistence of non-compliant families in these communities is a major obstacle.
“These families are putting all Nigerian children at risk. It is not acceptable. We must change the narrative to make Nigeria polio-free,” she said, adding that the success of the campaign depends on grassroots efforts involving community leaders, religious figures, local council officials, and state authorities.
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She called for immediate household and community-level counseling to address vaccine hesitancy and increase acceptance.
“UNICEF needs everyone to be warriors in this fight against polio. 2025 is our final year to eradicate polio in NIGERIA, every child must be reached.”
With the April campaign drawing near, the spotlight remains firmly on Gombe State as a critical frontline in Nigeria’s polio eradication efforts.