By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Kwara Government is set to commence a poliomyelitis immunization campaign for children on March 29.
Dr Dupe Shittu, the Social Mobilization Officer, Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency disclosed this in Ilorin while speaking at a Meeting with Media Stakeholders for March 2026 Polio Virus Outbreak in Kwara.
Shittu who spoke on “Epidemiology of Poliomyelitis”, said the State had recorded two outbreaks in areas that are security compromised.
According to her, two confirmed cases of Circulating Variant of Polio Virus 2 (CvPv 2) was recorded in Dec. 2025, in Kiama Local Government, and an additional case in Jan. 2026.
Shittu stated that this vaccine exercise is an outbreak response to build immunity of the children in the State.
She listed some of the LGAs with high risks to include Kiama, Moro, Ifelodun, Ilorin East and Ilorin West, where massive immunization exercise will be conducted to curtail ongoing transmission.
“The immunization exercise will take place on Sunday to Wednesday, and also two to three days of mop-up exercise will also be conducted for all children.
“The campaign scope is is targeting children ages zero to 59 months
It will include House-to-House, fixed posts and temporary fixed posts such as markets and religious places,” she said.
Shittu appealed to parents and caregivers to save the lives of their children by ensuring the are immunized, adding that the vaccine is safe and efficacious.
Also speaking, Dr Usman Danlami, the United Nations Children Funds (UNICEF), representative in Kwara pointed out that Kwara accounts for 11th of the Isolates in 2025.
Danlami explained that some States including Kwara, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Bauchi are grappling with confirmed cases of Poliomyelitis.
He added that there nine confirmed cases of polio nationwide, while calling for all Stakeholders to support the exercise for the nation to be polio free again.
The UNICEF representative warned that polio does not have treatment, except preventive vaccine.
Mr Ademola Enikanoselu, State Programme Officer, Chigari Foundation
appealed on all stakeholders including the media, religious bodies, market women, traditional leaders and care givers to assist in improving vaccine acceptance in the State.
He emphasised on the role of the media in disseminating information and helping in combating misconception mobilization and advocacy.
