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– The Bayelsa State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving 100% immunisation coverage across the state as part of a renewed public health strategy to protect children and vulnerable populations from preventable diseases.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Pabara Newton Igwele, made this known on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ engagement in Yenagoa, where he emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration among local government councils, traditional rulers, and health partners to close existing immunisation gaps.

“Bayelsa is determined to ensure no child is left behind. Our target is complete coverage — not 80%, not 90%, but 100%,” Igwele stated. “This goal is attainable through coordinated outreach, community awareness, and mobile vaccination campaigns, particularly in riverine and hard-to-reach areas.”

The state, with support from international partners including the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, has already recorded a notable improvement in routine immunisation in recent years. However, officials acknowledge persistent challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, logistical hurdles, and misinformation in remote communities.

Dr. Igwele highlighted that special attention will be given to increasing vaccine access in under-served local government areas such as Southern Ijaw and Brass. He also disclosed that more health workers will be deployed and cold chain systems upgraded to ensure the safe delivery of vaccines.

Bayelsa’s renewed immunisation drive comes amid national efforts to curb outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, diphtheria, and polio. The state’s health ministry is urging parents and caregivers to take advantage of upcoming rounds of routine and supplemental immunisation activities.

“We are appealing to every parent and caregiver to embrace this campaign. Immunisation is safe, free, and essential for the healthy development of every child,” Igwele added.

Health experts and civil society organizations at the event pledged their support, calling for stronger public messaging and incentives to drive participation in immunisation programs.

With its ambitious 100% target, Bayelsa joins a growing list of Nigerian states pushing for universal vaccine coverage in line with global health goals.