Kano Targets 3.9 Million Children in June Polio Vaccination Drive

By Bashir Muhammad

The Kano State Government has announced plans to vaccinate 3.9 million children under the age of five as part of the June 2025 Outbreak Response (OBR) campaign aimed at curbing the resurgence of polio in the state.

The announcement was made by Dr. Nasir Mahmoud, Director-General of the Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board, during a media dialogue on Thursday in Kano.

Mahmoud stated that the campaign aligns with Nigeria’s national strategy to eradicate polio and retain its polio-free certification, following the recent detection of Type 2 poliovirus in parts of the state.

He cited community resistance, insecurity, and poor data reporting as major factors contributing to the re-emergence of the virus, stressing the urgency of renewed vaccination efforts.

“Ungogo Local Government Area recorded the highest level of non-compliance during the May 2025 campaign. To improve accountability, local governments are now ranked monthly based on their vaccination performance,” he said.

Mahmoud reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to eradicating polio by December 2025 and reducing maternal mortality, describing both as top health priorities.

He emphasized the role of collaboration with traditional leaders and the 44 local government chairmen in tackling vaccine hesitancy and logistical challenges.

Also speaking at the dialogue, Mr. Rahma Mohammed, UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Kano, revealed that surveillance earlier this year confirmed poliovirus presence in Warawa, Bunkure, Kano Municipal, and Nasarawa LGAs.

“This is unacceptable and must be halted. Polio is highly infectious and knows no borders,” Mohammed said, stressing that even a single case posed a threat to all children.

He called on federal, state, and local governments, traditional rulers, and media organizations to intensify awareness and ensure full vaccination coverage, especially in high-risk areas.

UNICEF, he said, remains fully committed to Nigeria’s polio eradication efforts and urged the timely release of counterpart funds, strengthened campaign supervision, and better public health messaging to counter misinformation.

He also recommended that the government declare a public health emergency to mobilize resources and community support for the vaccination campaign.