Kwara State Targets 1.2 Million Children for Polio Vaccination

The Kwara State government has set a target to vaccinate no fewer than 1.2 million children against poliomyelitis, commencing a mass vaccination campaign in 2026. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to intensify vaccination efforts across rural communities, specifically targeting children aged zero to 59 months.

The campaign is a response to two confirmed cases of circulating variant polio virus 2 identified in Kiama Local Government Area in December 2025 and an additional case in January 2026. The campaign was officially launched at the Afon headquarters in Asa Local Government Area, with Prof. Nusirat Elelu, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, emphasizing the government's commitment to ensuring every child is protected from polio.

She highlighted the importance of community support and collaboration with traditional and religious leaders to achieve a polio-free status in the state. UNICEF's Dr. Lukman noted the significance of the vaccination efforts in restoring Nigeria's status as a polio-free country.