Ondo Gears Up for Second Round of NIPDs, Vows to Leave No Child Behind

In a renewed effort to sustain its polio-free status and strengthen routine immunisation, the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA) has stepped up preparations for the second phase of the 2025 National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs), scheduled to run from June 28 to July 1.

During a meeting of the State Social Mobilisation Committee (SSMC) held in Akure, stakeholders gathered to harmonise operational strategies, enhance risk communication, and ensure last-mile vaccine delivery to all children under five—regardless of their previous immunisation status.

Addressing the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of OSPHCDA, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to polio eradication and called for collective responsibility among stakeholders.

“We are not relenting. Every child under five must receive the Oral Polio Vaccine. There is no room for complacency if we must maintain a polio-free Ondo State,” he said.

He commended development partners—WHO, UNICEF, and CHAI—for their support and disclosed that the state government, under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved the recruitment of additional health workers to strengthen primary healthcare delivery.

Reviewing the April 2025 campaign, the State Immunisation Officer, Mrs. Florence Fadiji, reported an 85% coverage rate but highlighted gaps in underserved and hard-to-reach areas.

“Our focus is to deploy intensified social mobilisation and ensure vaccine availability at all fixed and temporary posts. Every dose counts,” she said.

Deputy State Health Officer, Mrs. Olubunmi Helen Obaromi, urged all stakeholders to support the campaign by deepening advocacy and addressing vaccine hesitancy through sustained community engagement.

Also speaking, the Deputy Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr. (Mrs.) Bunmi Osewole, appealed for grassroots mobilisation to boost turnout during the vaccination days.

Representing WHO, Dr. Adebayo Ibrahim described NIPDs as a vital intervention to strengthen children’s immunity, warning that the country is still battling a circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus.

“Ondo must continue to strive to be a national leader in immunisation performance,” he said, while commending the state’s zero-case record in recent years.

UNICEF’s Social and Behavioural Change Consultant, Mrs. Morounke Orhorhomreni, emphasised the role of community structures in driving vaccine acceptance.

“Stakeholders are the bridge between the health system and the people—amplifying voices, building trust, and ensuring that no one is left behind,” she stated.

She encouraged the use of local languages and grassroots influencers—such as traditional leaders, youth groups, and market associations—to combat rumours and promote positive health behaviours.

The meeting was attended by representatives from WHO, UNICEF, CHAI, AFENET, NPHCDA, NOA, civil society organisations, faith-based institutions, traditional rulers, the media, and relevant government ministries.

Stakeholders pledged to intensify grassroots mobilisation and ensure no child is missed across all 18 local government areas of the state.

As the countdown to the campaign begins, OSPHCDA and its partners are ramping up advocacy visits, community sensitisation, and strategic communication efforts to ensure a successful exercise.