Bayelsa Kicks Off Second Round of 2025 Polio Immunization Drive

Yenagoa, Bayelsa State – Bayelsa State has launched the second round of the 2025 National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) with a strong call to action for parents and stakeholders to ensure every child is immunized against polio. The flag-off ceremony, held at Tein, Biseni in Yenagoa Local Government Area, was led by the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

The state government is committed to achieving a zero prevalence rate of polio in Bayelsa. Deputy Governor Ewhrudjakpo emphasized the crucial role of parents, guardians, school heads, and religious leaders in making sure no child of immunizable age is left out of the four-day program. He issued a stern warning that parents who prevent their children from being immunized would be held responsible, assuring the public that the polio+plus vaccine is safe, effective, and potent. This particular vaccine is specially formulated to combat a mutated variant of the polio virus, differing from regular polio vaccines.

Zero Tolerance for Falsified Records
Senator Ewhrudjakpo also cautioned against the falsification of immunization records, urging all health personnel and ad-hoc staff to record only what they have genuinely accomplished in their field reports. “Health workers, record only what you have done. Forget about faking it; don’t go and rig the immunization results,” he stated, adding that if an area couldn’t be reached, it should be reported so that immediate steps can be taken to cover it.

Immunization as a Prerequisite for School Entry
In a significant pronouncement, the Deputy Governor revealed that the state is reviewing its laws to enforce a policy where unimmunized children will not be allowed to enter schools. He called on all headmasters and principals across the state to adhere to this directive, ensuring that all children attending school have been immunized.

Strategic Flag-Off Location and Partnerships
The Commissioner for Health, Professor Seiyefa Brisibe, expressed gratitude for the choice of Biseni, a remote community, as the flag-off venue. He explained that using a rural settlement would help demystify erroneous beliefs about immunization and demonstrate the government’s commitment across all areas of the state. Professor Brisibe also commended the Deputy Governor’s passion for immunization and urged mothers and health workers to take the exercise seriously to justify the state’s significant investment.

The Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Mr. Bulodisiye Ndiwari, welcomed the initiative, highlighting the health challenges faced by children deprived of immunization and urging mass participation.

Widespread Support from Stakeholders
The event saw strong support from various stakeholders, including Chief Williams Wariebi, Chairman of the Biseni Clan Council of Chiefs; Pastor Tam Seth Eyedoude, State Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria; and Dr. Chris Elemuwa, representative of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA).

Distinguished guests at the flag-off included Dr. Marcus Oluwadare, the State Coordinator of the World Health Organization; Chief (Mrs.) Mariam Abusi, the Biseni Women President; and Dr. Anthony Olikagu, Governor-designate of Rotary Club 9141, who generously donated 2,000 aprons to support the immunization program. The collective presence underscored the unified front against polio in Bayelsa State.

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Understanding the Mutated Polio Variant
Nigeria was declared wild poliovirus-free in 2020. However, the nation has since been battling outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2). This variant emerges when the weakened live virus in the oral polio vaccine (OPV), which is shed in stool, circulates in under-immunized communities for an extended period. Over time, it can mutate and regain its ability to cause paralysis, posing a significant public health threat. The special polio+plus vaccine mentioned by the Deputy Governor is specifically designed to tackle this mutated variant, highlighting the ongoing evolution of immunization strategies to combat new challenges.
The second round of the 2025 NIPDs is a critical step in Bayelsa State’s commitment to protecting its children and reinforcing Nigeria’s efforts to fully eradicate polio in all its forms.

What steps do you think communities can take to ensure maximum participation in immunization campaigns like this one?