ACSM TWG Pays Advocacy Visit to Ter Makurdi Ahead of November Sub-National Immunization Plus Days
The campaign follows the confirmation of an isolated polio case in the Clerk-Market ward of Makurdi by the National Polio Laboratory in August, which prompted an initial outbreak response across three wards to contain the virus.
MAKURDI, NIGERIA — The Advocacy, Communication, and Social Mobilization (ACSM) Technical Working Group (TWG) has paid an advocacy visit to the Ter Makurdi, His Royal Highness Chief Dr. Vincent Aule, and his Council of Chiefs to solicit royal support ahead of the upcoming Sub-National Immunization Plus Days (SNIPDs).
The campaign follows the confirmation of an isolated polio case in the Clerk-Market ward of Makurdi by the National Polio Laboratory in August, which prompted an initial outbreak response across three wards to contain the virus.
Briefing the traditional council on behalf of the Acting Executive Secretary of the Benue State Primary Healthcare Board, the State Health Educator, Dr. Philip Toryue, announced that the agency is fully prepared to launch another round of vaccination from Saturday, November 7 to Thursday, November 12, 2026, covering all 11 council wards in Makurdi Local Government Area (LGA). Dr. Toryue appealed to the royal fathers to use their influence to drive community mobilization and address vaccine hesitancy.
Speaking on behalf of development partners, Mr. Victor Olaniyi, Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) Officer at the UNICEF Enugu Field Office, commended the traditional leadership for their continued support. He urged the chiefs to participate in the Evening Review Meetings (ERMs) alongside Ward Focal Persons, in line with national guidelines, and requested the deployment of palace town criers to augment the four engaged town announcers per council ward.
Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Sani Abdulrahman, representing the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), praised the traditional institution's commitment to public health interventions and called for sustained backing during the forthcoming campaign round.
In his response, HRH Chief Dr. Vincent Aule pledged the royal council’s unwavering commitment to mobilizing residents for the SNIPDs, noting that traditional leaders bear a fundamental responsibility to guide their subjects toward positive health outcomes.
Chief Aule committed to participating in the Evening Review Meetings and announced that the traditional council will lead the Director of the Makurdi Local Government Health Authority, Mr. William Ayagwa, on an advocacy visit to the Executive Chairman of Makurdi LGA, Hon. Joseph Keffi, to secure the necessary counterpart funds for the campaign.
The traditional ruler further directed that attendance at ERMs be made compulsory for all District Heads to ensure rigorous monitoring, active supervision, and 100 percent vaccination coverage across their respective domains.
During the interactive session, several District Heads raised key operational concerns, including:
- The absence of a health facility in Wailomayo District;
- The non-involvement of traditional rulers in selecting ward vaccination teams; and
- The need for financial support to host ERMs at traditional palaces.
Adding to the discussion, Mue Ter Masev, Chief Kulugh Clement, emphasized the necessity of practical action and sustained commitment to ensure long-term immunization success.
Key Resolutions Reached
At the conclusion of the engagement, the delegation and the traditional council agreed on the following actionable steps:
- Address the healthcare facility deficit in Wailomayo District.
- Review and standardize the selection process for vaccination teams to involve local leadership.
- Conduct high-level advocacy with LGA Chairman Hon. Joseph Keffi to secure financial support for ERMs.
- Convene a joint alignment meeting between the LGA Chairman and traditional leaders.
- Enforce mandatory attendance of all District Heads at daily Evening Review Meetings throughout the exercise.
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