The Kano State Government KNSG says it is winning the battle against polio and other childhood killer diseases following significant improvements in immunization coverage and disease surveillance across the state.
The Director-General of the State Primary Healthcare Management Board (SPHCMB) Professor Salisu Ibrahim, disclosed this during a town hall meeting with 484 Ward Development Committees (WDCs) held as part of activities to commemorate World Polio Day 2025 in Kano.
Kano Marks World Polio Day with Townhall Meeting for 484 WDCs
Represented by the Director of Immunization and Disease Control,Dr. Ahmad Tijjani, Professor Ibrahim said the state government, in collaboration with development partners, has been at the forefront of implementing effective healthcare initiatives aimed at meeting global standards.
“The success of the just-concluded Polio, Measles, and Rubella campaign is a clear testament to the commitment of the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and our partners in eradicating polio and other childhood killer diseases,”
In his remarks, the World Health Organization (WHO) Kano State Coordinator, Dr. Mayana Abubakar commended the state for sustaining its leadership role in polio eradication efforts.
He noted that World Polio Day provides an opportunity to reflect on progress made, celebrate health workers and community champions, and re-energize efforts toward closing the final gap in eradication.
7.8m Children in Kano to Receive Measles, Rubella, and Polio Vaccines
According to Dr. Mayana, this year’s theme End Polio: Every Child, Every Vaccine, Everywhere” serves as a reminder that no child should be left unprotected.
“Through joint efforts by the Kano State Government, WHO, UNICEF, and other partners, remarkable progress has been achieved including a 96% reduction in polio cases, from 31 in 2024 to just three in 2025,”
He further highlighted improvements in Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPDs) surveillance, as well as better integration of polio campaigns with Measles-Rubella (MR) Human Papillomavirus (HPV)and Routine Immunization (RI) programmes.
Dr. Mayana reminded participants that Nigeria has remained free of Wild Poliovirus since August 2020, thanks to strong government leadership and partner support. However, he warned that circulating Variant Poliovirus Type 2 (cVDPV2) still poses a risk to sustaining these gains.
Also speaking, the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Kano,Mr. Rahma Rihood Mohammed Farah, reaffirmed UNICEF’s unwavering commitment to supporting Nigeria’s polio eradication efforts.
Mr. Farah also commended Ward Development Committees (WDCs) for their crucial role in mobilizing families, addressing noncompliance cases, and promoting community ownership of vaccination campaigns.
“Your dedication is vital to sustaining the progress achieved so far. The fight is not yet over we must keep working together to protect every child and secure a healthy future,”
Sharing his experience, the Chairman of the Kano Polio Victims Trust Association, Alhaji Aminu Ahmed Tudun Wada, described polio as a devastating disease that has robbed many children with bright futures of their potential.
He explained that survivors of the disease continue to face numerous challenges, particularly in accessing education and employment opportunities, which has limited their ability to fully contribute to society.
Alhaji Aminu appealed to the government and development partners to continue supporting persons living with disabilities through empowerment initiatives and inclusive policies that promote equal opportunities.