UNICEF Bauchi immunisation drive targets 127,550 children in Toro LGA to curb polio, reduce child mortality and boost vaccine coverage

The United Nations Children’s Fund and the Bauchi State Government on Tuesday in Toro, Bauchi State, flagged off a seven day immunisation exercise aimed at vaccinating 127,550 children across Toro Local Government Area.

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The campaign, launched in partnership with the Bauchi State Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation, targets children aged between zero months and 59 months as part of renewed efforts to eliminate polio and other vaccine preventable diseases.

The Local Immunisation Officer for Toro Local Government Area, Musa Danladi, said the initiative was designed to strengthen child survival outcomes and reduce preventable deaths in the area.

Musa Danladi explained that 32 ward focal persons and field volunteers were trained ahead of the exercise to ensure effective coverage across all 17 wards in the council.

The immunisation drive was flagged off in Tilde Ward, an area identified by health authorities as having a history of low vaccine compliance, a decision described by officials as strategic and necessary.

Musa Danladi said vaccination teams were moving from house to house, administering the Novel Oral Polio Vaccine to eligible children, while fixed posts were established in each ward to provide additional routine antigens, including BCG, Hepatitis B, IPV and PCV.

He disclosed that Toro Local Government Area currently records about 99 per cent vaccine compliance, a feat he attributed to strong political backing from the local council leadership and sustained support from development partners.

The UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Bauchi State, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, said the intervention was part of a broader effort that has seen more than 1.7 million children vaccinated across the state.

Dr Nuzhat Rafique described immunisation as a powerful and lifesaving strategy that helps children remain healthy and reach their full potential, particularly in vulnerable and hard to reach communities.

She said UNICEF teams have successfully reached thousands of zero dose children in remote settlements who had previously missed routine vaccinations, calling the progress a decisive step forward.

A consultant at Magama Primary Healthcare Centre in Toro, Ahmed Suleiman, confirmed increased turnout by parents, noting that sustained community sensitisation had helped to build trust and awareness around the benefits of vaccination.

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Health officials urged parents and caregivers to fully cooperate with vaccination teams to ensure Toro Local Government Area remains free from vaccine preventable diseases.