Integrated Immunization Campaign Records 101% MR Coverage, 98.7% nOPV2 in Kaduna — Official

By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna

Kaduna State has recorded major strides in its latest Integrated Measles–Rubella (MR), nOPV2, Routine Immunization and HPV campaign, surpassing key targets despite insecurity, household resistance and hard-to-reach settlements that have historically slowed vaccination efforts.

During a media engagement ahead of the December polio round, State Immunization Officer Ibrahim Adamu announced that Kaduna achieved 101 per cent MR coverage, vaccinating 4,144,175 children against a target of 4,105,097.

He said the state used 4,310,710 MR doses out of the 4,329,360 supplied, leaving a balance of 18,650 and recording an average wastage rate of four per cent.

For the nOPV2 phase, Kaduna reached 98.7 per cent coverage, vaccinating 3,078,659 children out of a target population of 3,116,574. A total of 3,233,000 doses were used from 3,317,200 supplied, with 82,200 doses remaining and a wastage rate of five per cent.

Adamu explained that the results reflect the resilience of vaccination teams and the depth of community engagement across the state.

He revealed that 78 per cent of all non-compliance cases which 5,235 out of 6,677 were successfully resolved, while 91 per cent of child-absent cases which stands at 9,796 out of 10,709 were revisited and vaccinated.

“Field reports from LGAs such as Kaduna South and Igabi showed vaccination teams working inside churches, community centres and densely populated settlements to close immunity gaps,” he added.

“Despite pockets of insecurity, he said coordination between WHO supervisors, LGA facilitators and partner organisations ensured rapid follow-up and consistent daily reporting,”

Speaking on behalf of UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kaduna, Social and Behaviour Change Specialist Ibrahim Mohammed said polio eradication is within reach but global progress remains fragile.

He emphasised that political commitment, reliable financing, strong routine immunization and the ability to confront rumours and misinformation are essential if the gains made so far are to be sustained.

Mohammed stressed that Africa has a real opportunity to secure a polio-free future, noting that the final steps are often the most complicated.

He added that children and young people have become strong voices for immunization, and their participation in advocacy and public health communication should be encouraged.

UNICEF called on governments and partners to revitalise primary health care systems, expand sustainable financing, prioritise outbreak response, integrate immunization with nutrition and WASH services, and deepen engagement with caregivers and community influencers to strengthen vaccine confidence.

The organisation also urged authorities to address inequities by ensuring that zero-dose and underserved children in remote, mobile or conflict-affected settings are reached with integrated health services.

Isa Yushau, the State Health Education and Communication Officer, told journalists that the media remains a crucial ally as Kaduna enters the last lap of its 2025 polio eradication effort.

He noted that journalists help disseminate accurate information to caregivers and communities while also acting as the Board’s “ears” in picking up concerns from the public.

He explained that previous campaigns have demonstrated the impact of media involvement in boosting awareness and improving behavioural response to vaccination. The engagement session, he said, was organised to equip journalists with the most up-to-date information as the state prepares for the December round.

Yushau, reviewing the MR and polio rounds, confirmed that coverage was impressive but insisted that the remaining unreached children remain the Board’s biggest focus. According to him, the state is determined to ensure every missed child is reached in the coming campaign.

Officials say Kaduna’s recent performance shows that even in difficult terrain, strong community mobilisation, coordinated field supervision and rapid follow-up can overcome resistance and reach vulnerable children.

As Kaduna prepares for the next phase, both UNICEF and the Primary Health Care Board warn that complacency could undo decades of progress and stress that sustained political commitment, financing and community trust remain essential to securing a polio-free future.