The National Orientation Agency NOA in Rivers state is intensifying grassroots mobilisation ahead of the statewide polio immunisation campaign slated for May 3-6, 2025
The NOA Chief Orientation and Mobilisation Officer in Omuma LGA, Mrs Leka Umejuru said the agency’s officers were using town announcers, religious leaders, market women, and school teachers to raise awareness and encourage parents to vaccinate children under five against circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2.
According to her, the agency’s communication efforts, backed by UNICEF and the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Board, target misinformation among young, tech-savvy parents and emphasise community ownership and immunisation.
A routine immunisation consultant, Dr Abo Karibo, praised NOA’s role in connecting health teams with communities.
He noted that effective communication is crucial to preventing outbreaks and maintaining donor confidence.
Rivers State is one of the high-risk areas for poliovirus resurgence and must achieve high coverage to protect children and sustain Nigeria’s polio-free status.
