The Kwara State Government has announced plans to reach at least 1.2 million children in its 2026 mass polio vaccination campaign across the state. Efforts are being intensified in rural communities to ensure that all children aged zero to 59 months receive the vaccine.
This renewed drive follows the confirmation of two cases of Circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2 (cVDPV2) in December 2025 in Kiama Local Government Area, with an additional case reported in January 2026.
During the launch of the campaign in Afon, the headquarters of Asa Local Government Area, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting every child from poliomyelitis. She noted that the state, in collaboration with development partners, has implemented strategies to safeguard children through widespread immunization.
Prof. Elelu highlighted that Asa LGA had previously experienced challenges with vaccine hesitancy, but significant progress has been made, with communities increasingly supporting government health initiatives. She called on traditional and religious leaders to continue their advocacy for immunization to achieve complete eradication of polio in the state.
She also assured that the government would sustain efforts to upgrade primary healthcare centres (PHCs) and general hospitals across Kwara State.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Lukman Ahmed, Health Officer of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), commended the state’s efforts, noting that Kwara ranked second nationally in the recent ‘Identifying, Enumeration, and Micro-Planning’ exercise. He stressed the critical role of vaccination in Nigeria’s journey to regain its polio-free status.
Dr. Ahmed affirmed UNICEF’s ongoing support, which includes technical assistance, monitoring, community mobilization, and countering misinformation. He urged community leaders to actively back immunization campaigns throughout all local governments in the state.
Alhaji Shehu Amasa, Chairman of Asa LGA, appealed to residents to cooperate fully with the vaccination drive to protect children from this deadly disease. He emphasized the need for strict adherence to global best practices in administering vaccines and other medications. He also called on healthcare workers to demonstrate dedication, resilience, and professionalism in serving their communities.
With these combined efforts from government, development partners, and local communities, Kwara State aims to eliminate poliovirus transmission and secure a safer future for its children.
