The Kano State Government, in collaboration with national and international health partners, has flagged off a massive polio vaccination campaign targeting over 4.1 million children across the state. The exercise is part of ongoing efforts to prevent the resurgence of the poliovirus and consolidate Nigeria’s status as a polio-free nation.
The campaign, which officially commenced on Saturday, April 20, 2025, will run for several days and is expected to cover all 44 local government areas in Kano. Health workers have been deployed to urban centers, rural communities, and hard-to-reach areas to ensure comprehensive immunization coverage.
Government’s Commitment to Public Health
Speaking at the campaign launch held in Kano city, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board, Dr. Muhammad Shehu, emphasized the state’s readiness and commitment to eradicating preventable childhood diseases.
Dr. Shehu said that the vaccination campaign is being carried out in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and other partners. According to him, the state has already trained over 10,000 health personnel to conduct the door-to-door exercise.
“Our goal is to vaccinate no fewer than 4.1 million children under the age of five. We are leaving no child behind, irrespective of location or background. Every child deserves protection against the poliovirus,” Dr. Shehu stated.
He assured parents that the oral polio vaccine being administered is safe, free, and effective. He also encouraged households to open their doors to health workers and support the campaign by ensuring all eligible children in their care are vaccinated.
Community Engagement and Awareness
To boost acceptance and participation, the state government has partnered with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community-based organizations to sensitize the public. Already, radio and television jingles, town hall meetings, and social media campaigns have been launched to raise awareness about the importance of polio immunization.
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, lent his voice to the campaign, urging parents to prioritize their children’s health. He reminded the public that Kano was once among the states with the highest polio burden in the country, and called for collective vigilance to avoid a relapse.
“Let us not take the progress we’ve made for granted. Polio is a dangerous disease that can permanently cripple our children. By vaccinating our young ones, we are building a safer future for them and for society,” the Emir said.
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy
Despite Nigeria being certified polio-free by the WHO in August 2020, isolated cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus have continued to emerge in some parts of the country, largely due to low immunization coverage in certain communities.
Dr. Shehu acknowledged the existence of vaccine hesitancy in a few pockets of the state but assured that strategies are in place to address misinformation and resistance.
“We are working closely with trusted voices in the community to dispel myths about the vaccine. Our mobilization teams are engaging in dialogue with parents who have concerns, and we are seeing positive results from these efforts,” he noted.
Logistics and Cold Chain Preparedness
The health board confirmed that adequate logistics have been put in place to ensure the smooth implementation of the campaign. Vaccine cold chains have been upgraded to maintain the potency of the oral polio vaccines being distributed.
“We have deployed thousands of vaccine carriers, motorbikes, and tricycles to aid movement in areas without accessible roads. Our logistics teams are monitoring the supply chain in real-time to ensure vaccines are stored and transported under optimal conditions,” Dr. Shehu added.
Health Partners Pledge Continued Support
Representatives of UNICEF and WHO who attended the campaign launch reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Nigeria’s polio eradication efforts. The Kano State Coordinator for WHO, Dr. Adamu Yahaya, described the campaign as timely and critical in maintaining population immunity.
“While Nigeria has made remarkable progress, the fight is not yet over. As long as a single child remains unvaccinated, the risk persists. This campaign will help strengthen herd immunity and protect vulnerable children,” Dr. Yahaya said.
He urged all stakeholders to remain steadfast and vigilant, especially in the face of emerging health challenges and competing priorities.
Parents and Residents React
Parents and caregivers across Kano have begun turning out in large numbers to have their children vaccinated. Amina Musa, a mother of four in the Tarauni area, praised the health workers for their dedication.
“They came early in the morning and explained everything to me. I allowed them to vaccinate all my children. I want them to grow up healthy and strong,” she said.
Others, like community leader Malam Sani Ibrahim from Dawakin Tofa, called for sustained public health investment. “Vaccination is just one part. We need better clinics, clean water, and more health education in our villages.”
Conclusion
As Kano embarks on this ambitious vaccination drive, health officials remain optimistic that the 4.1 million target will be met or exceeded. The campaign represents a critical step in not only preventing the return of the polio virus but also reinforcing Nigeria’s resolve to protect future generations from preventable diseases.
With strong political will, robust community engagement, and the support of international partners, Kano State is once again demonstrating leadership in the battle against polio—ensuring that every child counts and every child is protected.
