Source: NHO Admin

State Pushes for 100% Target as Preparations Begin for Second Round in July

Bayelsa State has achieved an impressive 98% immunisation coverage in the first round of the 2025 National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs) campaign, conducted from May 3 to May 6. The milestone was disclosed by Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo during the state immunisation task force meeting held in Yenagoa on Wednesday.

“We have taken our immunisation coverage up to 98%. But we want to take it to 100% this time around,” Ewhrudjakpo emphasized.

Government Commits to 100% Coverage

Deputy Governor Ewhrudjakpo:

• Commended WHO, UNICEF, the Federal Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders for their roles.
• Urged council chairmen to launch the next round in rural communities, not just LGA headquarters.
• Reaffirmed that funds for the second round (scheduled for July) will be released at least two weeks in advance.
• Called for community mobilization, encouraging parents, schools, and churches to allow children to receive vaccines.

He also announced a forthcoming review of logistics funding to meet current economic realities.

Challenges Identified

During presentations, Dr. Marcus Oluwadare (WHO) and Dr. Gbanaibulou Orukari (Director, Disease Control, Bayelsa State Primary Healthcare Board) noted:

• High performance across local government areas.
• However, issues like data falsification, personnel commitment, and workload imbalances remain challenges.

Dr. Oluwadare praised the state, noting:

“Bayelsa was the only state with full stakeholder representation during the April NIPDs in the entire country.”

Call to Action

The state reiterated its zero-tolerance for immunisation avoidance, with the deputy governor referencing the executive order on compulsory immunisation under Bayelsa’s public health law.

As the second round of the 2025 NIPDs approaches, state leadership is emphasizing community engagement, early funding, and improved field logistics to achieve full coverage.