Kaduna State is moving closer to interrupting polio transmission after posting above-target results in its latest Measles–Rubella (MR), nOPV2, Routine Immunisation and HPV campaign, officials said.
Speaking at a media briefing ahead of the December polio round, State Immunisation Officer Ibrahim Adamu said the campaign delivered “one of the strongest coverage performances Kaduna has recorded in recent years,” despite insecurity in several communities.
According to him, the state achieved 101% MR coverage, vaccinating 4,144,175 children out of a target of 4,105,097.
“We used 4,310,710 MR doses from the 4,329,360 supplied, leaving a balance of 18,650. Our wastage rate stood at four per cent, which is within acceptable limits,” he said.
For the nOPV2 phase, Adamu said Kaduna recorded 98.7% coverage, with 3,078,659 children vaccinated from a target of 3,116,574.
He said the results were driven by improved coordination and stronger community engagement.
He reported that 78% of non-compliance cases were resolved, while 91% of initially absent children were revisited and vaccinated.
“We operated inside churches, community centres and densely populated areas, especially in Kaduna South and Igabi, to close the immunity gaps,” he added.
Despite security concerns in pockets of the state, Adamu said partners kept the reporting system stable.
“WHO supervisors, LGA officers and our partner organisations ensured that every challenge was documented and followed up, even in hard-to-reach locations,” he said.
Representing the UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Kaduna, Social and Behaviour Change Specialist Ibrahim Mohammed said the results reflect Kaduna’s commitment to protecting children.
“This level of progress shows strong political will and solid partnerships across the health sector. Kaduna has demonstrated that coordinated action delivers results,” he said.
