By Billa Pius, Jos
UNICEF in collaboration with Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, has launched an integrated health campaign aimed at strengthening immunization coverage, sustaining the state’s polio-free status, and introducing the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for young girls.
The official flag-off took place at Naraguta Primary Health Centre in Ahwol Ward, Jos North LGA, and featured key health stakeholders from UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), state officials, and community representatives.
UNICEF Health Specialist, Dr. Audu David, led the call for action, urging parents to ensure that every child under five is vaccinated against polio and that all nine-year-old girls receive the HPV vaccine, which protects against cervical cancer.
“Polio is a disease we can completely eliminate if every child is reached. Sadly, thousands are still being missed,” Dr. Audu said. “The HPV vaccine is safe, free, and crucial. We’re targeting nine-year-old girls because this is the right age to offer protection before potential exposure.”
He also encouraged pregnant women to take advantage of free supplements available at health centres during the campaign and expressed appreciation for Plateau’s commitment to sustaining its wild polio-free status.
WHO Representative, Pharmacist. James Oche, commended the leadership of Jos North Executive Chairman, Hon. JK Chris, for the LGA’s active participation in every round of the national polio campaign. He also praised the chairman’s wife, Mrs. Tina John, for personally engaging with women and caregivers.
“This kind of consistent leadership is key to eradicating polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases,” Dr. Oche said. “I urge mothers to allow their children under five to be vaccinated and ensure that nine-year-old girls get the HPV vaccine. These vaccines are safe and scientifically approved.”
Mrs. Martha M. Kummiap, Director of Health at Jos North Primary Healthcare Centre, highlighted the multi-pronged nature of the initiative, which merges the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPD), HPV vaccination, and Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week into one comprehensive outreach.
“Today’s immunization includes the polio vaccine for children, deworming tablets, Vitamin A supplements, and essential drugs for pregnant women,” Mrs. Kummial said. “Children will be reached through house-to-house teams, while pregnant women should visit the facility immediately after the program to receive their supplements.”
She expressed deep gratitude to Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his administration’s support and urged parents not to resist the program. “We’ve addressed the few cases of resistance. Now, every parent should cooperate and bring out their children.”
Speaking on behalf of her husband, Mrs. Tina John, wife of the Jos North Chairman, emphasized the campaign’s relevance to women in the area.
“This program is very important to the women of Jos North because it strengthens children’s immunity and provides pregnant women with the support they need,” she said. “Parents should not fear. These vaccines have been tested and certified by credible organizations. Please bring out your children.”
She also thanked UNICEF and WHO for their ongoing support. “Kudos to these partners. May God continue to grant them the strength and wisdom to keep helping our communities.”
The integrated health campaign will continue across all 17 local government areas of Plateau State, providing a vital mix of immunization, nutrition, and maternal health services particularly targeting children under five and nine-year-old girls for protection against preventable diseases.
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