The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has flagged off a massive campaign to immunize over 1,116,677 children against polio, with a resounding call on all residents to support the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) held from May 4–10, 2025.
At the official launch held in the Palace of Sarki Jiwa, HRH Alj Idris Musa over the weekend in Abuja, the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, led the charge, declaring that no eligible child in the FCT should miss the life-saving oral polio vaccine.
Represented at the occasion by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babagana Adam hinted that “Vaccine-preventable diseases remain a major cause of childhood illness and death in Nigeria and the FCT. We cannot afford complacency. From May 4 to 10, we must mobilize all mothers, caregivers, schools, churches, mosques to ensure every child is reached.”
Dr. Fasawe explained that the campaign is not just about vaccination, but also about restoring public confidence and building demand through effective communication and community engagement. “The FCTA has adopted an integrated health approach to expose caregivers and children to multiple interventions that improve their health and allow them to thrive,” she said.
To ensure widespread coverage, the FCT has deployed 154 fixed post teams across health facilities and 1,152 house-to-house teams that will comb through communities, including homes, markets, schools, churches, and mosques.
“These teams will ensure that no child no matter where they live is left behind. I rely on all of you present today to become NIPDs ambassadors and take this message to every corner of the FCT,” Dr. Fasawe said, adding that the effort aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Earlier ,the Sarkin Jiwa, His Royal Highness Dr. Idris Musa, decried lapses in grassroots immunization and challenged traditional leaders and health officials to step up their responsibilities.
“Enough is enough we cannot afford to waste any more time,” he declared. “By tomorrow morning, all local chiefs and officials must be on the ground advising and supporting their communities. This is not the time to sit in offices.”
The monarch emphasized the importance of routine immunization, citing global examples like Saudi Arabia, where pilgrims are not allowed entry without polio vaccination. “That’s how serious the rest of the world is about polio. We must take it just as seriously here,” he said.
Dr. Musa also called for a review of FCT’s micro-planning strategies to match the territory’s rapidly growing population and the associated health risks. “FCT is expanding, and infections are coming in. We must act fast and plan smarter,” he warned.
He announced a high-level meeting with stakeholders, including the World Health Organization (WHO), to enhance coordination. “Supervision is key. Let the Directors and Heads of Departments get out of their offices and into the field. That’s how we regain trust,” he said, pledging his full support to the immunization campaign.
In his goodwill message, the WHO Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, praised the FCT for its swift and strategic response to public health threats, describing it as a model for other states.
“I’m very proud of what the FCT has achieved. When the diphtheria outbreak hit Nigeria, the FCT was the only place where it was crushed from the beginning. That shows the strength of leadership here,” he said.
Dr. Mulombo emphasized that immunization is not just a public health duty, but a fundamental human right. “Vaccination is a human right for our children. This campaign is launching during Africa Vaccination Week, reminding us that immunization is humanly possible and morally necessary,” he added.
He explained that while Nigeria was certified polio-free, the resurgence of vaccine-derived strains poses a renewed threat. “We now have a better tool the novel oral polio vaccine (nOPV) and we must finish the job before the end of this year,” he said.
He applauded health workers in the FCT for their commitment, acknowledging their willingness to prioritize immunization even during busy schedules. Dr. Mulombo also commended the political will of the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, and the traditional institutions for their support.
“If Nigeria gets it right, Africa will be free of polio. And when Africa is free, the world will be free,” he concluded.
In his welcome, the Permanent Secretary of the FCTA, Dr. Babagana Adam, who was represented by Dr Ruqqaya Wamakko, Acting Executive Secretary of the FCT Primary Healthcare Board, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining Nigeria’s certification as a polio-free country.
“Today, we are here to flag off the April 2025 National Immunization Plus Days a national assignment for the benefit of our women and children, particularly the most vulnerable. While Nigeria has been certified polio-free, sustaining that status requires continued effort through periodic immunization campaigns,” she said.
She noted that the campaign is a critical national health intervention and reminded stakeholders that the FCT plays a unique role in national progress due to its diverse population.
“When we get it right in the FCT, we get it right across the nation, because every ethnic group in Nigeria is represented here. As the federal capital, we must maintain the highest standards in healthcare delivery,” she added.
With support from the World Health Organization and other global partners, the FCT remains at the forefront of efforts to eradicate polio and ensure no child is left behind.
