According to a report from Punch newspaper, Kwara State Government has embarked on a new phase of polio immunisation campaign targeting children under the age of five within the state's borders.

Commencing from Saturday, April 20th to Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024, this campaign aims to reach every corner of the state, as revealed during the flag-off ceremony by Dr Nusirat Elelu, the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

Elelu said, “I enjoin all parents, caregivers, religious houses, schools, and Quranic institutions to make eligible children available for vaccination as the teams move from house to house, markets, religious houses, and schools.

“All children 0-5 years are expected to be vaccinated irrespective of their previous vaccination status. Let me reiterate that the vaccine is safe, efficacious, and does not have an overdose.”

Expressing the importance of this initiative, Dr Elelu highlighted the severity of poliomyelitis (polio) and its transmission modes, underlining the necessity of safeguarding children against this infectious disease.

Although Nigeria has attained polio-free certification, Dr Elelu stressed the need to uphold this achievement by maintaining high levels of immunity among vulnerable populations through supplementary and routine immunisation efforts like the ongoing campaign.

With over 2,034 vaccination teams deployed to conduct house-to-house visits, the objective is to immunize as many children as possible, ensuring a healthier and polio-free future for Kwara State.