From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
Sokoto State has recorded a remarkable achievement in vaccinating over 2.2 million children in five days at the ongoing integrated immunisation campaign.
This achievement comes as the state government launched an integrated immunisation campaign targeting 2.8 million children against polio, measles, rubella, and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) across all 244 wards of the state.
According to official data from the Campaign Dashboard, a total of 1,316,147 children aged 9 months to 14 years have received the Measles Rubella (MR) vaccine, while 903,463 children under the age of five have been immunized against poliomyelitis.
Additionally, 28,474 nine-year-old girls have been administered the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, offering vital protection against cervical cancer.
Health authorities have hailed the figures as a major breakthrough in the fight against preventable childhood diseases, describing the turnout as a strong sign of public confidence and active community participation in the state’s healthcare initiatives.
Commenting on the campaign’s successes, Commissioner for Health Dr. Faruk Abubakar Wurno and Acting Executive Secretary of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA) Dr. Bilyaminu Sifawa commended the commitment of frontline health workers, traditional and religious leaders, and local mobilizers for their tireless efforts in ensuring wide coverage across all 23 local government areas.
They attributed the success to robust community engagement, effective stakeholder collaboration, and the steadfast support of parents and caregivers — factors that have made the campaign a model for public health achievements in Nigeria.
“This is clear evidence of what can be accomplished when communities, parents, and government institutions unite for a common goal — the protection of our children’s future,” the officials stated, expressing optimism that Sokoto will exceed its immunization targets before the 10-day campaign concludes.
The exercise, conducted across health facilities, schools, temporary vaccination posts, and community centers, continues to record impressive daily turnouts as parents respond positively to calls for full participation.
Health officials reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that no eligible child or adolescent is left unvaccinated and urged parents who are yet to present their wards to do so.