The Kogi State government has extended the polio immunisation to remote communities across seven local governments, with 77,495 children benefiting from the exercise.
The state government said the development would help consolidate its 10-year-old polio-free status.
The State Immunization Officer, (SIO) Grace Ojofedo, disclosed this to newsmen on Monday following the completion of the “Big Catch-Up” Polio Immunization programme in the state.
Ojofedo explained that the exercises were carried out in communities that were either missed or inadequately covered in last year’s immunization programme.
“The programme was conducted in seven LGAs in the state. 80,608 vaccines were administered, and 77,495 children were immunized.”
The SIO said the state recorded a 99 percent coverage rate but experienced a 5 percent wastage rate in the latest programme, which took place between January 6 and January 13, 2025.
She further commended UNICEF for its contribution to the programme, noting that the agency’s support has been instrumental in helping the state maintain its polio-free status.
Ojofedo reaffirmed the state’s commitment to consolidating its polio-free status.
“This latest exercise helped us consolidate the achievement made in the first phase of polio immunization last year. With this, we have extended polio immunization to every nook and cranny of the state,” she added.
