By Muhammad Amaan
The Kano State Government has praised the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other development partners for their continued support of the ongoing polio immunisation campaign across the state.
Deputy Governor of the state, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam, gave the commendation on Saturday during the launch of the second round of polio vaccinations in Bunkure Local Government Area.
Comrade Abdulsalam, also Co-Chairman of the State Task Force on Polio Eradication, said the campaign had lasted over 25 years and proven effective against vaccine-preventable diseases.
He noted that diseases like headaches and ulcers affect everyone, regardless of religion or ethnicity, and are treated with the same medicines — just like vaccines.
“Panadol and other medicines — who makes them? Do you produce them at home? If not, why reject vaccines?” the deputy governor asked.
He urged parents and caregivers to take full advantage of the campaign by bringing their children to designated vaccination centres across the state.
“I call on parents to ensure their children receive the second round of the polio vaccine, scheduled from June 14 to 17,” he added.
The deputy governor also appealed to local government chairmen, traditional rulers and religious leaders to mobilise communities for full vaccination coverage.
While thanking development partners for their support, comrade Abdulsalam warned that any official sabotaging the campaign would face disciplinary action.
“We are grateful to UNICEF and other partners for their commitment to improving our citizens’ health, particularly that of children.
“Let it be clear — any official found sabotaging this campaign will face appropriate sanctions,” he warned.
UNICEF Field Office Chief Mr Rahama Farah, in a goodwill message, stressed the need to eradicate polio before the national deadline in December.
He described the vaccines as effective and reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the welfare of women and children in Kano State.
“We remain committed to helping the state government ensure no child is left behind in the fight against polio,” Farah said.
Representative of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Mr Kabiru Yakassai, commended Kano State government’s commitment to routine immunisation.
Yakassai revealed that the state had not recorded any new polio cases in the past 14 weeks, showing marked improvement from earlier in the year.
He credited this progress to intensified vaccination efforts and strong community involvement across various localities in Kano.
Nigeria aims to eliminate polio entirely by 2025, with Kano State identified as a high-priority state, due to its dense population and history of vulnerability to polio outbreaks, requiring sustained vaccination efforts and public cooperation.
