By Rebecca Caleb Maina
As Gombe State intensifies its campaign to eliminate polio, the ongoing National Immunisation Days (NIDs) exercise in Kaltungo Local Government Area (LGA) has recorded significant progress, achieving approximately 95 percent coverage.
The campaign, supported by the Gombe State Government, UNICEF, and other health partners, is reaching households with life-saving vaccines, despite facing pockets of resistance in some communities.
In the serene village of Kalaring, visited by our correspondent the impact of the house-to-house campaign is evident.
Sunday Garba, a father of young children, watched with pride as vaccinators administered oral polio drops to his children.
“This effort is very important,” he said. “I’m grateful that health teams are coming directly to our homes. Our children must be protected from diseases like polio. I’m also calling on fellow fathers to support immunisation so we can have a healthy community and secure our children’s future.”Garba added
At the nearby primary health centre, Oglah Amos a grandmother arrived with her infant grandson in her arms. Her daughter, who had recently undergone a caesarean section, was unable to attend.
“I know the importance of these vaccines,” she explained. “I won’t let my grandson miss this opportunity vaccines saved my own children, and they will protect hers too.” Amos reiterated
Other mothers at the health centre echoed similar belief . Mrs Elizabeth John shared that her one-year-old daughter had remained healthy and rarely fell ill after completing her scheduled vaccinations. Another mother, Hannatu David, who had brought her child for polio and tuberculosis vaccines, underscored the need for early protection against deadly diseases.
Health workers are at the frontline of the campaign. Mrs Halima Inuwa vaccinator at the Kalaring Primary Health Centre, described the dedication of teams going door-to-door, sometimes under challenging conditions and appreciated support of government and partners .
“Many parents are responding positively, and that gives us hope,” she said. “Going house to house is not always easy, but knowing we are protecting children from polio keeps us going. We’ve received strong support from the government and partners like UNICEF, which makes our work easier. Every vaccinated child is a victory for the whole community.” She noted
The Kaltungo LGA Immunisation Officer, Mr Yakubu Epeso Ngale, said the 95 percent coverage recorded was the result of effective collaboration among stakeholders, supported by consistent vaccine supply.
He praised UNICEF’s role in facilitating vaccine transportation and helping prevent stock-outs, noting that such shortages were rare during the campaign.
He also credited the availability of iceberg freezers for preserving the potency of vaccines across the area.
Mr Epeso further emphasised the critical contribution of traditional and community leaders in tackling vaccine hesitancy and encouraging participation.
“The logistics support from UNICEF has been instrumental in the success of this campaign. From cold chain equipment to transportation for our field teams, their support has ensured that vaccines get to even the most remote communities on time and in good condition” Ngale said
The NIDs campaign is part of a nationwide effort targeting all eligible children, particularly in high-risk LGAs like Kaltungo.
With strong coordination, grassroots mobilisation, and the collective commitment of parents, health workers, and development partners, Gombe State is making steady progress toward polio eradication.
Still, health experts warn that the journey to a polio-free Gombe requires sustained commitment, trust in science, and the continued engagement of all stakeholders.