The Chief of the United Nations Children’s Fund Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, has reaffirmed the commitment of partners and the Gombe State Government to eradicate polio, as the state commenced its first immunisation campaign for 2026.

Dr. Rafique spoke during an interactive session with journalists shortly after an evening review meeting on the ongoing polio immunisation exercise in Gombe.

“This is the first polio campaign of 2026 in Gombe, and it is going to be very rigorous. It is very important for Nigeria to eradicate polio soon and become completely polio-free. Gombe is doing its best and trying very hard to reach that status,” she said.

She commended the state government for its commitment to the exercise.

“As always, thanks to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Gombe State and his entire team for their strong commitment to this campaign. The Executive Secretary and I attended the evening review meeting, which shows the level of dedication,” she added.

According to her, the campaign, which began after flag-off activities at state and local government levels, was already recording steady progress.

“We have visited many hard-to-reach areas, and the teams are covering the LGAs effectively. The completion rate of settlements is increasing daily. This is a five-day campaign, and we expect even greater progress by days three, four and five,” she said.

Dr Rafique noted that key components such as staff training, community engagement, and social mobilisation had been effectively implemented.

“The involvement of traditional leaders and emirs has been remarkable. Flag-offs were conducted in their palaces, and they are fully owning and leading the campaign alongside the government and partners,” she said.

She highlighted UNICEF’s contribution comprising a significant provision of logistical and technical support.

“UNICEF, alongside other partners, is a major supporter of polio campaigns. We have provided over 965,000 doses of polio vaccines, which have been safely distributed across all LGAs by the state’s primary healthcare system,” she stated.

Also, the campaign targets about 771,000 children in the state, including over 50,000 “zero-dose” children who had never received any vaccination.

“We must reach every child. The government is taking the lead, and UNICEF and other partners are supporting to ensure no child is left behind,” she said.

On observed discrepancies in field implementation, Dr Rafique explained that such findings were part of efforts to improve quality.