In a bid to strengthen public health and prevent the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases, the Yobe State Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to achieve 80% vaccination coverage by 2026. This announcement was made during a media dialogue commemorating the 2025 World Immunisation Day, held in Damaturu, the state capital.
Dr. Mohammed Gana, the state’s Commissioner for Health, emphasized that bridging immunisation gaps is now a top priority, especially in the face of recurring outbreaks such as diphtheria, cholera, cerebrospinal meningitis, and vaccine-derived polio.
“To achieve herd immunity and protect our communities, we must attain at least 80% immunisation coverage by next year,” Dr. Gana stated. He stressed the importance of consistent fixed immunisation sessions and prioritising outreach in zero-dose and hard-to-reach communities that have historically lagged behind in vaccine uptake.
Despite facing health challenges, Dr. Gana noted that Yobe has made notable strides in routine immunisation coverage. Comparing data from the 2018 and 2023 National Demographic Health Surveys, he revealed that modest progress has been achieved, but a more robust response is necessary to halt the spread of preventable diseases.
The recent detection of type 2 and type 3 vaccine-derived poliovirus in some local government areas has further galvanized efforts to ramp up immunisation campaigns. “These incidents serve as a wake-up call not just for us in Yobe, but for the nation as a whole,” Gana added.
Supporting this position, Dr. Umar Chiroma, Director of Disease Control and Immunisation at the Yobe State Primary Health Care Management Board, disclosed that as of 2024, 17.5% of children in Yobe had not received any routine vaccinations. He identified Gulani and Geidam as high-risk LGAs, where zero-dose prevalence remains a major concern.
In response, the state has intensified its Big Catch-Up strategy, including door-to-door vaccination campaigns, mobile outreach to underserved settlements, and strategic immunisation points at transit locations.
UNICEF Health Officer, Mr. Bashir Elegbede, also underscored the urgency of scaling immunisation. He emphasized the need to reduce zero-dose children by 25% by 2025 and 50% by 2030 to meet global targets. “Equity must be at the heart of our vaccination strategy,” he said, calling for stronger collaboration among government agencies, health professionals, traditional rulers, and international partners.
Meanwhile, neighbouring Borno State is adopting similar tactics to ensure no child is left behind. According to Borno’s immunisation officer, Maina Modu, enhanced outreach programs are underway, with added focus on reaching nomadic and underserved populations.
Health experts warn that low immunisation coverage leaves communities vulnerable to preventable disease outbreaks. Stakeholders believe Yobe’s target of 80% by 2026 is ambitious but achievable — provided that investments in public health infrastructure, community education, and health worker training are sustained.