No less than 77,495 children have been vaccinated against polio in remote communities in seven Kogi local government areas.
According to the state government, the development will help consolidate its status as a polio-free country for 10 years.
The State Immunization Officer, Dr. Grace Ojofedo, made this known to newsmen on Monday following the successful completion of the “Big -Catch -UP” polio vaccination program in the state.
Dr Ojofedo said the exercise was carried out in communities that were initially not adequately captured in last year's immunization programme.
“The program was carried out in 7 LGAs in the state. A total of 80,608 vaccines were used and a total of 77,495 children were immunized.”
The SIO said the state recorded a 99% coverage rate but also suffered a 5 percent wastage rate in the last program carried out between January 6 and 13, 2025.
He commended UNICEF for its contribution to the program and said the agency's support is helping the state maintain zero polio status, emphasizing that the state will spare no effort to consolidate its polio-free status.
“This latest exercise helped us consolidate the achievements recorded in the first phase of polio immunization last year. With this we have brought immunization against polio to all corners of the state.”
He said the recently concluded exercise was carried out in remote communities, praising UNICEF for its commitment to eradicating deadly childhood diseases in the state.