Taraba Media Told to Fight Misinformation as Major Polio Vaccination Campaign Begins

Journalists and digital influencers in Taraba State have been tasked with stepping up efforts to counter misinformation ahead of a major polio immunization campaign starting this weekend.

The Subnational Immunization Plus Days (SIPDs), scheduled for 13–16 December across 19 northern states, Lagos, and Oyo, will target children aged 0 to 59 months in a nationwide push to reinforce protection against polio.

During a mobilisation dialogue held in Jalingo, the Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency, working with UNICEF, urged the media to help debunk myths that could discourage parents from participating.

Officials confirmed that all logistics for the four-day exercise have been finalised. They added that children will also receive routine immunizations alongside the polio drops.

According to the organisers, vaccine supplies are adequate, and vaccination teams will visit every ward, village, and community across Taraba’s 16 LGAs and two Special Development Areas.

Parents and caregivers were encouraged to present their children for immunisation, although children who are unwell will be rescheduled until they fully recover.

A two-day mop-up operation will follow the main exercise to reach children who were missed initially and to address cases of non-compliance, ensuring no child is left behind.