The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged the Kano State Government to declare a State of Emergency on Polio and Routine Immunization amid the resurgence of polio cases in the state.
Speaking at the June Media Dialogue on Polio and Routine Immunization, held in Kano on Thursday, the Chief of UNICEF Field Office Kano, Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, stressed the urgent need for stronger media engagement, government accountability, and community involvement in the fight against the deadly disease.
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UNICEF, KNSG Fights Polio with Massive Immunization Campaign
“Polio is a highly infectious disease with deadly consequences for young children. One case anywhere is a threat to children everywhere,” Farah warned.
Farah emphasized the crucial role of the media in combating misinformation, rumors, and myths that discourage families from vaccinating their children.
“We need the media to tell families that vaccines are available, safe, and effective. Accurate reporting can help protect every child under five from polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases,” he said.
The dialogue coincided with the upcoming Polio Vaccination Campaign in June, as well as the Day of the African Child, whose theme this year focuses on Child-Friendly Budgeting—a timely reminder of the importance of resource allocation in public health.
Media Crucial in Polio Eradication Efforts in Nigeria – UNICEF
He highlighted that timely funding is essential to deliver life-saving vaccines, especially in high-risk Local Government Areas (LGAs) such as Warawa, Bunkure, Kano Municipal, and Nassarawa, where a variant of the poliovirus has been detected in 2025.
“This resurgence is unacceptable and must be halted immediately. We cannot afford to let our guard down.”
UNICEF is calling on the Kano State Government to:
Declare a State of Emergency on Polio and Routine Immunization
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Take full leadership on resolving vaccine noncompliance
Ensure timely release of counterpart funds for vaccination programs
UNICEF also urged:
The Chairman of ALGON in Kano State to lead polio eradication efforts at the LGA level
All LGA Chairpersons to conduct flag-off events for the polio campaign, attend review meetings, and resolve cases of noncompliance
LGA leaders to honor previous public commitments made in Kaduna earlier this year
Traditional and Religious Leaders Must Act
Recognizing the power of grassroots influence, Farah also appealed to traditional and religious leaders to:
Make public commitments to polio eradication
Mobilize communities to vaccinate all eligible children
Actively support government-led immunization campaigns
“Polio knows no borders. It spreads fast. An outbreak anywhere can become a threat everywhere,” Farah emphasized.
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A Future Without Polio is Possible
UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government and partners in building a future where no child dies from a preventable disease.
“We can realize a polio-free Nigeria—one child, one vaccine at a time. But only if we act now. Vaccines are available. They are safe. They work,” Farah concluded.