The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)has commended members of Ward Development Committees (WDCs) in Kano State for their vital role in mobilizing caregivers, promoting vaccine acceptance, and addressing noncompliance at the community level.
The commendation was made by the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Kano, Mr. Rahma Rihood Mohammed Farah, during a town hall meeting with 484 WDCs held in Kano to commemorate World Polio Day 2025.
UNICEF Commends Kano WDCs for Key Role in Polio Eradication
Mr. Farah praised the committees for their grassroots efforts in sustaining Kano’s leadership in the fight against polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
“Your contributions are vital in the fight against polio. The work you do at the grassroots helps protect children, prevent outbreaks, and secure a healthy, hopeful future,”
He urged the government and development partners to prioritize vaccination for all children and strengthen immunization systems to ensure no child is left unprotected.
“We must ensure that every child, especially those in remote and conflict-affected areas, is reached with vaccines,”
The UNICEF representative highlighted the importance of combating misinformation and rumours surrounding vaccines, reaffirming that polio vaccines are safe, effective, and essential in preventing paralysis and death.
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He emphasized that polio eradication is within reach, noting that sustained investment, political will, and community engagement are key to maintaining progress.
“Every child deserves a life free from the crippling effects of polio. No child should suffer from a disease we know how to prevent,”
Mr. Farah reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment, as a key member of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI, to continue supporting the Nigerian government in eradicating polio and strengthening routine immunization across the country.
“Together, we can ensure that future generations in Kano and beyond live free from the threat of polio. With the right actions today, we can make polio the second human disease ever eradicated and protect children for generations to come,”