The Integrated Vaccination Campaign for measles and polio in Bauchi Local Government Area (LGA) is progressing smoothly, with carers bringing eligible children under five for vaccination.
Assessment visits by a team of health reporters to several facilities in the LGA on Tuesday indicated that the exercise was well received by the community.
At the Miri Ward, it was observed that children were brought in for immunisation against measles and polio as part of the routine immunisation programme.
Providing an update on the exercise in the ward, the Immunisation Focal Person, Umar Abdullahi Ningi, disclosed that the target for measles vaccination is 7,100, while there is no specific target for the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), which is being administered in 97 communities.
According to him, 2,701 children have been immunised for measles, and 11,606 children have received the OPV to protect them against polio variants in the area.
He also reported that a total of 2,950 doses of measles vaccines have been administered, while 12,300 doses of OPV have been used.
Abdullahi Ningi stated that these totals are for the entire Miri Ward, encompassing health facilities located in various communities, including both mobile and fixed vaccination posts.
In Dan Amar 1 Ward, the Immunisation Focal Person reported that the target for measles vaccination in the area is 5,006 children under five, while the target for OPV is 9,529.
He explained that during the first three days of the campaign (Saturday to Monday), a total of 1,135 eligible children were immunised for measles, while 7,555 children received the OPV.
According to him, during the three days, 8,000 doses of OPV have been used, while for measles, 1,470 doses have been administered.
Also speaking, the Routine Immunisation Officer of Bayan Fada PHCC, Halima Adamu, expressed satisfaction with the turnout of carers for the exercise, stating that it has been very encouraging compared to past exercises.
She added that so far, in the three days of the exercise, no serious challenges have been recorded that would hamper the smooth operation of the programme.
The RI Officer expressed optimism that for the ward and facility, the target will be met as adequate mobilisation has been made and the involvement of traditional rulers and community/religious leaders has complemented efforts to encourage parents to take their children to the facilities for immunisation.
One carer who brought her 3-year-old girl for immunisation expressed her happiness that the exercise was being conducted, saying that it would enhance the well-being of children and protect them against killer diseases.
She stated that her child has received the complete doses of the required vaccinations, stressing that, “As you can see, my daughter is looking healthy and beautiful. I call on all mothers to allow their children under 5 years to be immunised in order to stay healthy.”
One challenge observed is related to mobility, which the ad hoc personnel complained about, pointing out that the current hike in transport fares necessitated by the high cost of gasoline is a concern.
Some of the personnel appealed for adjustments in their allowances to enable them to break even with the transportation costs to the points of the exercise.
Recall that UNICEF and other implementing partners are supporting the state government in conducting the integrated immunisation exercise against measles and polio for children under 5 years.
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