No fewer than 77,495 children have been successfully immunized against polio in Kogi State, as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to maintain its 10-year-old polio-free status.
The state Immunisation Officer, Grace Ojofedo confirmed the completion of the “Big Catch-Up” Polio Immunisation programme, which targeted remote communities across seven local government areas of the state.
In an interview with newsmen on Monday, Ojofedo explained that the immunization exercise was specifically designed to reach children who were either missed or inadequately covered in the previous year’s immunization program.
“The programme was conducted in seven LGAs in the state, where 80,608 vaccines were administered, and 77,495 children were immunized,” Ojofedo said.
She added that the state achieved an impressive 99% coverage rate, although a 5% wastage rate was recorded during the immunization campaign, which took place between January 6 and January 13, 2025.
Ojofedo acknowledged the vital support from UNICEF, which played a key role in the success of the program. She emphasized that the agency’s assistance was instrumental in helping the state achieve and maintain its polio-free status.
“The support from UNICEF has been invaluable in our fight against polio,” Ojofedo said. “This exercise is a continuation of the progress made in the first phase of polio immunization last year. We have now extended polio immunization to every corner of the state, ensuring that no child is left behind.”
