By Remi Johnson
To sustain the attained strides of zero free status in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has deployed 1,152 teams across the 62 Wards of its six Area Councils to immunize children under five against the Polio virus, with a call on parents and guidance to ensure compliance.
Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, who made this known during awareness campaign at the palace of the Sarkin Jiwa, Alhaji Idris Musa, while flagging off the first round of National Immunization Plus Days NIPDs, iin Jiwa Abuja.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Secretariat, Dr Babagana Adam, the Mandate Secretary said the immunization days would run for one week from 4th May to 10th May 2025.
She noted that 154 fixed posts has also been created, and the teams will embark on house-to-house visits, churches, mosques, schools and hard- to -reach areas to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated.
Dr Fasawe added that gifts of candies, sachet milk and other goodies would be given, to ensure that no child dies as a result of vaccine-preventable diseases again in FCT.
Dr Fasawe further hinted that the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), in collaboration with Partners, has National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) in place to boost Routine Immunization coverage, and prevent other series of diseases in the FCT.
“I want to inform you, on behalf of the FCT PHCB, that emphasis has shifted from stand-alone vertical campaigns to a more integrated approach like the NIPDs, which exposes caregivers and children to key interventions that improve their health status and enable them to thrive through both the existing health system and outreach strategy.
“I rely on all the Stakeholders here to take up the role as NIPDs Ambassadors, to encourage and mobilize women, caregivers, children and all FCT residents to health facilities, temporary fixed posts and outreaches closest to them to avail themselves of this opportunity provided for the programme.
“Also, Schools, Churches, Mosques and Special Places where these eligible children 0–59 Months could be found will be reached with 2 drops of potent Oral Polio Vaccine”, she added.
Country Representative of the World Health Organization WHO, Dr Walter Mulombo, lauded the FCT for its surveillance efforts and congratulated the Administration for successfully working against the outbreak of diphtheria in the territory.
The Sarkin Jiwa, who pledged the support of the traditional institution to the immunization efforts, charged chiefs in his area to go back home and work with other community leaders to ensure the initiative’s success.
Fasawe urged residents to spread the message of the NIPDs in the FCT, for increase in health, wellbeing and survival of children in the FCT, adding that no eligible child should miss any of this opportunity.