UNICEF takes integrated vaccination campaign to schools in Taraba

UNICEF takes integrated vaccination campaign to schools in Taraba

The United Nations Children Fund ( UNICEF)’s funded integrated vaccination campaign has taken the exercise to both private and public schools in Taraba,

The Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS)  reports that the integrated vaccination campaign includes; routine immunisation, Measles Rubella, Polio and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

A Correspondent of NAN, who monitored the campaign in some schools in Jalingo town on Wednesday reports that pupils turned out in large numbers for the exercise as schools were properly coordinated.

At Sabon-Gari Primary School, Champion International School in Mayo-Gwoi, and Omas Royal Academy, Magami among other schools, head teachers, school proprietors, administrators, and even nannies were working hand-in-hand with vaccinators to ensure no child was left behind.

Some of the school heads, who spoke  with NAN explained  that directives from the state’s health authorities  and ministry  of education, mandated full cooperation with the campaign.

Mrs Patricia Ogbodo, Proprietress of the Champion International School said that the longstanding support and goodwill from UNICEF, through the state government, made their participation felt like a duty of gratitude.

“Whenever they bring any programme like this, we know it’s for the good of our children. So we don’t hesitate.” Ogbodo said.

Mrs Pwanti Papilo, one of the Community mobilisers, who spoke to NAN said that she also intensified her outreach, going door-to-door to raise awareness and encourage parents to bring eligible children to the nearest vaccination centte.

Papilo said that her  effort  was  fueled by training, tools, and motivation provided by international partners, particularly the UNiCEF.

“The support we have received from UNICEF made it easier to connect with caregivers.

 “We’re not just going house to house, we’re seeing real change in attitudes, especially from communities that were once hesitant.” Papilo said.

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Mr Tainimu Audu, a parent, expressed appreciation for the campaign, citing previous vaccination campaigns that helped protect their children from preventable diseases.

“I’ve seen how these vaccines work, I just wish the programme could last longer so that more children can benefit.” Audu said.

Mrs Halima Sani, another parent commended UNICEF and the Taraba government for the campaign.

Sani, who observed that the integrated  campaign was a shift from the previous exercises, said that the vaccination would go a long way in enhancing good health to the citizenry.

 VMT NEWS reports that the campaign commenced on October 17, 2025 and is ongoing.