The Kano State Government has launched an ambitious polio vaccination campaign aimed at reaching approximately 3.9 million children under the age of five across all 44 local government areas of the state.
This initiative was announced during a media dialogue organized by the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in Kano on Thursday.
Campaign Implementation Strategy
According to Dr. Nasiru Mahmoud, Director General of Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board, the campaign has already commenced with special exercises targeting 11 selected local government areas.
"The campaign has already started (Wednesday) in Kano, but this first phase is targeting about 11 selected local government areas where we are focusing on special locations," Dr. Mahmoud explained.
He further clarified that the initial phase does not involve house-to-house visits but rather establishes attraction points where children can be brought to receive vaccines. This preliminary phase runs on Wednesday and Thursday.
"The main house-to-house campaign will begin on Saturday, the 14th of June, and will continue up until Wednesday, the 18th. This house-to-house exercise will cover all the 44 local government areas of Kano State and make sure that no child is left behind in the vaccination," he added.
Concerns Over Polio Variant Detection
Dr. Mahmoud expressed serious concerns regarding the recent detection of a polio virus variant in several areas of the state, including Warawa, Bunkure, Kano Municipal, and Nassarawa LGAs.
"It is not a good sign. It tells us that many children are not properly protected, it means we are not getting something right," he stated, emphasizing that both routine immunization and supplementary campaigns are not reaching sufficient numbers of children.
He warned that without immediate action, the progress made in past years could be reversed. The state government has set an ambitious goal to ensure that by December 2025, no child in Kano will suffer from polio.
UNICEF's Support and Call for Action
Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, Chief of UNICEF Field Office in Kano, urged media outlets to support the campaign by disseminating accurate information about polio and routine immunization.
"Vaccines are available, they are safe and effective," he emphasized, noting that misinformation, myths, and rumors continue to prevent many families from allowing their children to receive the polio vaccine.
Mr. Farah also highlighted the critical importance of government funding in combating polio. He called on the Kano State Government to declare a State of Emergency on Polio and Routine Immunization and encouraged local government chairpersons to lead vaccination efforts in their respective communities.
The success of this campaign is crucial for maintaining Nigeria's polio-free status and ensuring the health and wellbeing of millions of children across Kano State.
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