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

The integrated vaccination campaign includes: routine immunisation, measles-rubella, polio and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

A journalist 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 explained that directives from the state’s health authorities and ministry of education, mandated full cooperation with the campaign.

Patricia Ogbodo, proprietress of the Champion International School, said that the longstanding support and goodwill from UNICEF, through the state government, made their participation feel 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,” Ms Ogbodo said.

Pwanti Papilo, one of the community mobilisers who spoke to journalists, 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 centre.

Ms Papilo said that her effort was fuelled 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,” Ms Papilo said.

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,” Mr Audu said.

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

Ms Sani, who observed that the integrated campaign marked a shift from previous exercises, said that the vaccination would significantly enhance the health of the citizenry.

The campaign commenced on October 17, 2025 and is ongoing.

(NAN)