Ebonyi State has recorded a significant increase in immunisation coverage across its 13 Local Government Areas (LGAS).
This increase was a result of contributions from the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, WHO and other state government agencies.
Our Correspondent, who visited Afikpo, Ivo and Ohaozara local government areas of the state in the last immunization campaign observed a massive turnout of mothers with their wards to access the vaccine in some designated centres while health workers were seen moving from one location to another to administer the vaccine to under 0–59 months.
At Afikpo, Iheakachi Eze thanked the state government under Francis Nwifuru for making health a top priority in his people’s charter of needs, but opined that the duration for the vaccination should be extended.
In Ohaozara and Ivo, the women thanked the government, UNICEF and WHO for their support but requested the deployment of more health attendants to hasten the vaccination.
They added that there is a need for wider sensitization to enable mothers to come out with their children for vaccination, and if the woman is not disposed of, their father should support by presenting their wards to be immunized.
CRISTIAN Munduate, the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, in her speech at the Flag-off of the NIPDS Campaign, explained that UNICEF is honoured to stand with the government at the flag-off of this critical National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDS) campaign. We thank the Government of Ebonyi State for its swift and committed action following our advocacy, particularly in the recent solarisation of the state cold store and walk-in cold room. This vital step creates a more enabling environment for immunisation delivery and improved health outcomes for all.
The ongoing campaign deploys the Novel Oral Poliovirus Vaccine Type 2 (NOPV2), a next-generation vaccine specifically developed to address the circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cvdpv2).
According to her, this initiative forms a crucial part of Nigeria’s and the global community’s efforts to interrupt cVDPV2 transmission.
“As we begin this round of NIPDS, from today, May 3rd to May 9th, 2025, we aim to reach 1,328,787 eligible children under five (0–59 months) across all 13 LGAS of Ebonyi State. This campaign follows closely after World Immunisation Week (WIW), which highlighted the theme: “Immunisation for all is humanly possible.” Today’s effort is a direct expression of that belief.
Cristian Munduate reiterated that the vaccines are free, safe, and effective. And encouraged all parents and caregivers to make their children available for vaccination. “We urge our traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community leaders to join hands in mobilisation efforts and demand creation.
“Let us not forget the remarkable impact of immunisation: in the last 50 years, global efforts have saved an estimated 154 million lives, equivalent to 6 lives saved every minute, every day, for five decades. Of these, 101 million were infants, emphasising just how vital vaccines are in the earliest years of life.
“We call on all stakeholders, health workers, government institutions, partners, and community-based structures, to collaborate fully and ensure that potent vaccines reach every eligible child, especially in the hardest-to-reach areas.
She further said that for over five decades, UNICEF has remained a steadfast partner to governments in protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases. Our support spans cold chain logistics, community engagement, social mobilisation, annual operational plan development and technical support, procurement of the renowned oxygen plant in the state, and advocacy at different levels. Through our sustained advocacy, the solar-powered cold chain system here in Ebonyi is now a reality”. She said.
