Stakeholders in Gombe State have called for increased media support to boost awareness and acceptance of immunisation programmes ahead of the May round of the Supplemental Immunisation Plus Days.
The call was made on Thursday during a media engagement with journalists and social media influencers organised by the Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency in collaboration with partners, including the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, World Health Organisation and United Nations Children’s Fund.
Speaking at the event, a consultant with the Christian Health Association of Nigeria, Emily Madina, said the engagement was aimed at strengthening demand for vaccines through effective communication.
She stressed that the media plays a key role in shaping public perception of health interventions and ensuring communities are well-informed about available vaccination services.
“We are not only focusing on polio. We are also promoting HPV vaccination, particularly for girls around the age of nine, to protect them early from cervical cancer,” the consultant said.
Madina disclosed that the upcoming polio campaign would hold from May 2 to May 5 and urged parents to ensure their children are vaccinated.
“My call to parents is to take advantage of this opportunity. Allow your eligible children, especially young girls, to access the HPV vaccine. If any facility reports shortages, it should be flagged for prompt action,” she added.
Also speaking, an official of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Abubakar Muazu, said the agency had reviewed previous immunisation rounds to identify gaps and improve coverage.
He noted that while the May exercise would focus mainly on polio vaccination, HPV immunisation remains part of routine services, with efforts ongoing to improve its uptake.
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