The Kano State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF and other development partners, has officially flagged off a renewed polio vaccination campaign in Bunkure Local Government Area, one of the areas most affected by the poliovirus in the state.
The event, held at the District Head’s Palace in Bunkure, brought together stakeholders, traditional leaders, and community members in a united effort to eradicate polio by the end of 2025.
Bunkure Among Top Three Affected LGAs
The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, who also serves as Chairman of the State Task Force on Immunisation, stated that Bunkure was selected as a launch site due to its status as one of the top three Local Government Areas (LGAs) most impacted by poliovirus transmission.
“This is not a government-only responsibility. Everyone must participate to protect our children and secure a healthier future,” he urged.
Gwarzo reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to ending polio transmission in Kano by December 2025, pledging intensified surveillance and public awareness throughout the immunisation period.
“Polio has no cure, but it is entirely preventable through vaccination. We must ensure no child is left behind,” he emphasised.
Health teams, he said, would carry out door-to-door vaccinations and establish temporary immunisation posts at community centres to reach children in both urban and rural communities.
UNICEF Emphasises Community Ownership
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Rahma Rihood Mohammed Farah, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Kano, underscored the importance of local ownership and commitment in achieving polio eradication, particularly in Kano, where recent outbreaks have raised fresh concerns.
“In many parts of Nigeria, especially in Kano, a significant number of children are missed during polio rounds due to misinformation or negligence. To defeat polio, all children under five must be fully vaccinated,” Farah stated.
He urged governments at all levels, Volunteer Community Mobilisers (VCMs), vaccinators, health facilitators, parents, and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to ensure no child is left behind.
Local Government Reaffirms Support
In his remarks, Chairman of Bunkure LGA, Alhaji Aliyu Bashir Mahmoud, pledged full support for the campaign and lauded the collaborative spirit shown by stakeholders.
“We are fully committed to eradicating polio from our communities and will continue to support every effort towards that goal,” Mahmoud affirmed.
Mothers Share Success Stories
Some local mothers who presented their children for vaccination at the event also shared their experiences.
Hannatu Ibrahim admitted that she previously did not understand the severity of polio until she was sensitised by a VCM.
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“Now, I will ensure all my children receive the vaccine. It is free, safe, and protects them from a terrible disease,” she said.
Another mother, Talatu Munkaila, noted that earlier misconceptions about the vaccine caused hesitation in her community.
However, targeted awareness campaigns led by health officials, traditional rulers, and VCMs have transformed public perception.
“We used to hear all sorts of things about the vaccine, but now we know better,” she said.
“The health workers explained everything patiently. I’ve already taken my child to get vaccinated.”
Stakeholder Unity for a Polio-Free Kano
The flag-off ceremony witnessed the presence of traditional and religious leaders, community-based organisations (CBOs), development partners, and parents, all demonstrating unity and resolve to safeguard children’s health.
As Kano intensifies its campaign, stakeholders reaffirmed that collective action, accurate information, and persistent outreach are key to eliminating polio in Nigeria once and for all.