Jigawa immunises 250,750 children against polio, measles, HPV, and other diseases, achieving over 100% coverage in key health campaigns

Jigawa immunises 250,750 children in Kaugama Local Government Area, achieving high success rates in the battle against preventable childhood diseases, officials revealed on Monday.

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According to Muhammad Tasiu, the Immunisation Officer in the area, the council recorded over 100 per cent coverage across several immunisation programmes, reflecting strong community response and effective mobilisation.

Tasiu told journalists that 99,213 children aged between nine months and 14 years were vaccinated against measles and rubella, with a 105 per cent coverage rate — an indication that more children were reached than initially targeted.

He further reported that 74,401 children under 24 months received the novel oral polio vaccine (nOPV), while an additional 74,401 children under five were vaccinated with the bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV).

Both efforts achieved 102 per cent coverage, signalling consistent uptake across the region.

In a significant move towards combating cervical cancer, 2,735 nine-year-old girls were immunised against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a virus strongly linked to the disease.

“These achievements reflect not only effective planning but the community’s trust in the health system and the importance placed on child wellness,” Tasiu explained.

Jigawa’s success comes as Nigeria intensifies its efforts to eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases, improve routine immunisation uptake, and meet global health targets.

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Health experts say such high-impact campaigns, especially those targeting early childhood, are crucial in reducing morbidity and mortality rates linked to tropical and infectious diseases.