By Murtala Muhammad
The Bauchi State Government says it is intensifying efforts to completely eliminate the circulating poliovirus from the environment through continuous vaccination and public enlightenment campaigns.
Executive Chairman of the State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, stated this during a road show held in Bauchi metropolis to mark the 2025 World Polio Day.
The event was organised in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Rotary International, and other partners.
Dr Mohammed, represented by the Director of Primary Health Care, Dr Sufiyan Jibril said although Nigeria was certified polio-free in 2020, the resurgence of mutant circulating poliovirus in some parts of the country necessitated renewed action to sustain the gains made.
He explained that the state government remained committed to surveillance, community sensitisation, and continuous immunisation exercises to ensure every child is protected from the disease.
Public Health Officer at the WHO Bauchi Field Office, Dr Yarima Kucici, reaffirmed the organisation’s collaboration with government and other partners to ensure that no child is left out in the ongoing effort to eradicate polio.
Also speaking, the Global Social and Behavioural Change Manager and Head of World Polio Outbreak Response, Dr Panchanan Achari, highlighted the importance of sustaining investments in immunisation, nutrition, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services to strengthen Nigeria’s health system.
He said each vaccine dose not only prevents polio but also builds community resilience against other preventable diseases, commending Bauchi State for its proactive engagement and contribution to the country’s health goals.
World Polio Day, observed annually on 24 October, is themed for 2025: “End Polio: Every Child, Every Vaccine, Everywhere.”