Table of Contents
- Vaccination Announcement
- Location of IDPs
- Vaccination Campaign Details
- Supervisor's Statement
- Vaccination Details
- Vaccine Acceptance
- Vaccine Supply
- Team Deployment
- Campaign Duration
- Progress Report
The Benue State Government has declared that over 300 children living in the temporary Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp for Yelewata residents have received vaccinations for Measles Rubella (MR) and Oral Polio Virus (OPV).
As reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the displaced individuals from Yelewata are currently being housed at the premises of the Makurdi International Market.
NAN further stated that the government has initiated a comprehensive, integrated vaccination campaign aimed at safeguarding children from various preventable diseases, including measles, rubella, polio, and HPV.
Mrs. Benedicta Aboh, Chief Supervisor of the Integrated Vaccination Campaign Fixed Team, informed reporters in Makurdi on Sunday that the immunization exercise commenced on Saturday.
Aboh explained that although her team operates within Guma Local Government Area, the Yelewata IDPs are included in their coverage zone, prompting them to extend their services to the camp to reach all eligible children.
She disclosed that over 250 children were vaccinated on the first day alone. The team administered routine immunizations for children aged 0–23 months, MR for those aged nine months to 14 years, OPV for children aged 0–59 months, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines for girls aged nine years, treatment for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), and Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC).
Aboh noted that there have been no reported cases of vaccine refusal or zero-dose children thus far. She added that the team intends to conduct additional rounds of immunization due to the large turnout at the camp.
Meanwhile, the State Immunization Officer, Mr. Innocent Adega, communicated with NAN via telephone, stating that Benue State had received 2.7 million doses of MR vaccines and 2.3 million doses of OPV for the campaign.
He clarified that the program is part of an integrated immunization initiative, which also encompasses other routine vaccines.
Adega mentioned that “a total of 1,110 fixed teams and 1,274 sweep teams (house-to-house)” have been deployed across the 23 Local Government Areas to ensure comprehensive coverage.
He added that the campaign will last for 10 days, from October 18 to 27, with two additional days set aside for mop-up activities.
According to him, the exercise has been proceeding effectively, with no significant challenges faced so far.
Frequently Asked Questions
What diseases are targeted by the vaccination campaign?
The vaccination campaign aims to protect children from diseases such as measles, rubella, polio, and HPV.
How many children were vaccinated on the first day?
On the first day of the immunization exercise, over 250 children received vaccinations.
Is there an ongoing plan for more immunization rounds?
Yes, additional rounds of immunization are planned due to the high turnout at the camp.
