The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has officially kicked off a major campaign to protect more than 1.1 million children from polio. The immunization drive, which runs from May 4 to 10, 2025, calls on parents, caregivers, and community leaders to ensure that every eligible child receives the life-saving polio vaccine.
The campaign was launched over the weekend at the Palace of His Royal Highness, Dr. Idris Musa, the Sarkin Jiwa, in Abuja. Leading the event, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, emphasized that no child in the FCT should miss the opportunity to be vaccinated.
Speaking through the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babagana Adam, she highlighted how preventable diseases like polio still threaten the health and lives of children in Nigeria. “We cannot afford to relax,” she said. “This week, we must come together, mothers, fathers, teachers, religious leaders to make sure no child is left out.”
Dr. Fasawe explained that the campaign is more than just giving vaccines. It’s about restoring public trust, raising awareness, and encouraging communities to actively protect their children’s health. “We are combining efforts to offer other health services during this campaign, so families get even more support,” she added.
To reach every corner of the FCT, health teams have been deployed across health centers, homes, schools, churches, mosques, and markets. In total, 154 fixed post teams and 1,152 mobile teams will be working throughout the campaign week.
“No matter where a child lives in a city or a rural village we are making sure they are not left behind,” Dr. Fasawe said, calling on everyone to become ambassadors for the campaign.
In his remarks, HRH Dr. Idris Musa, the Sarkin Jiwa, urged traditional leaders and local officials to take their roles seriously. “It’s time to act. This is about the lives of our children,” he said. “Our chiefs must get out there and talk to people. This isn’t the time to sit in offices.”
He pointed out that other countries like Saudi Arabia take polio very seriously, so much so that pilgrims aren’t allowed in without proof of vaccination. “We should do the same here,” he said.
The monarch also stressed the need for smarter planning to keep up with the FCT’s fast-growing population. “Our communities are expanding, and with that comes more health risks. We have to stay ahead,” he warned.
He announced plans for a high-level meeting with health partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), to improve coordination and supervision. “We need our leaders in the field, not behind desks,” he said, offering full support for the campaign.
Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO’s Country Representative to Nigeria, praised the FCT for its fast and effective response to public health issues. “When the diphtheria outbreak hit, the FCT stopped it before it spread. That shows leadership,” he noted.
He stressed that vaccinating children isn’t just a medical task it’s a basic human right. “Every child deserves protection. This campaign reminds us of that, especially during Africa Vaccination Week,” he said.
Though Nigeria has been declared polio-free, Dr. Mulombo warned that new vaccine-derived strains are emerging. “We now have a better vaccine and a clear chance to finish the job. Let’s not waste it.”
He also applauded the hard work of frontline health workers and the support of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, as well as traditional leaders.
“If Nigeria succeeds, all of Africa will follow and when Africa is free from polio, the whole world will be,” he concluded.
Dr. Ruqqaya Wamakko, representing the FCTA’s Permanent Secretary, reinforced that protecting children’s health is a shared duty. “This campaign is a national call to action—for our children, our families, and our future,” she said.
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