Kano Targets 3.9 Million Children for Polio Vaccination Campaign in June

The Kano State Government is aiming to immunize 3.9 million children under the age of five as part of its June 2025 Outbreak Response campaign against polio.

This was disclosed by Dr. Nasir Mahmoud, Director-General of the Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board, during a media briefing in Kano on Thursday. He emphasized that the initiative is part of the broader national effort to sustain Nigeria’s polio-free status.

Mahmoud explained that the resurgence of type 2 poliovirus in parts of the state necessitated the renewed vaccination effort. He attributed the virus’s return to several challenges, including resistance from some communities, inadequate data collection, and security issues, which have previously hindered immunization drives.

“Ungogo Local Government recorded the highest rate of non-compliance during the May 2025 round,” he said, adding that LGAs are now being ranked monthly based on their immunization performance to encourage improvement.

The state remains committed to eradicating polio by December 2025 and reducing maternal mortality by the same date, Mahmoud stated, describing both as critical health priorities. He called for stronger collaboration with traditional leaders and all 44 local government chairmen to ensure the campaign’s success.

Mr. Rahma Mohammed, UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Kano, revealed that surveillance data showed cases of the virus in Warawa, Bunkure, Kano Municipal, and Nasarawa LGAs. He expressed concern over these findings and stressed the urgency of the situation.

“Polio is highly contagious and has no borders. Even a single case puts all children at risk,” Mohammed warned.

He urged all stakeholders—including government officials, traditional leaders, and media practitioners—to intensify efforts in public awareness and ensure comprehensive vaccine coverage, especially in vulnerable communities.

Reaffirming UNICEF’s support for Nigeria’s polio eradication efforts, Mohammed called for timely release of counterpart funding and more rigorous oversight of immunization campaigns. He also recommended declaring a public health emergency and using media platforms to fight vaccine misinformation.

Punch

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