Khadijah Aliyu
As Kano State intensifies efforts to eradicate polio through the ongoing June 2025 Outbreak Response (OBR) Immunization Campaign, some parents and caregivers in Bunkure Local Government Area have commended the initiative, describing it as a life-saving effort for their children.
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Some of the mothers Hannatu Ibrahim and Talatu Munkaila, shared their experiences after presenting their children for the polio immunisation at the district head of Bunkure Palace.
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“I didn’t understand how serious polio was until a volunteer community mobilized sensitized me, “Now, I will ensure all my children receive the vaccine. It is free, safe, and protects them from a terrible disease.”
Talatu Munkaila explained that earlier misconceptions about the vaccine had caused hesitation in her community.
However, awareness campaigns by health officials, traditional leaders, and Volunteer Community Mobilizers (VCMs) changed her perspective.
“We used to hear all sorts of things about the vaccine, but now we know better,” she said. “The health workers explained everything to us patiently. I’ve already taken my child to get vaccinated.”
The renewed sense of trust among parents in Bunkure comes after targeted community engagement efforts led by the Kano State Government in collaboration with UNICEF and development partners.
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At the flag-off ceremony, organized by KNSG, UNICEF and other partners ,Kano State Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, who doubles as the chairman of the State Task Force on Immunization, explained that Bunkure was selected due to being one of the top three LGAs most affected by the polio virus.
“This exercise is critical. Polio has no cure, but it is entirely preventable through vaccination. We must ensure no child is left behind,” Gwarzo stated
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The Deputy Governor called for collaborative efforts among traditional rulers, religious leaders, local government officials, health workers, community leaders, and parents to ensure the campaign’s success.
“This is not a government-only responsibility. Everyone must be involved to protect our children and secure a healthier future,” he emphasized.
He reiterated the state government’s unwavering commitment to ending polio transmission in Kano by December 2025, adding that surveillance and public awareness would be intensified throughout the immunization period.
“Health teams involved in the campaign will conduct door-to-door visits and set up temporary immunization posts at community centers, ensuring that children in both rural and urban areas are vaccinated”
In his remarks the chief of Field Office UNICEF Kano Mr Rahma Rihood Mohammed Farah emphasized the importance of local dedication and community ownership in the ongoing efforts to eradicate polio, particularly in Kano State where recent outbreaks have raised concern.
He highlighted that reaching every child with life-saving vaccines is crucial to defeating the virus.
“In many parts of Nigeria, especially Kano, a significant number of children are missed during polio rounds due to selfish reasons,” he stated.
“To defeat polio, all children under five must be fully vaccinated.”
Mr. Farah called on federal, state, and local governments, alongside Volunteer Community Mobilizers (VCMs), vaccinators, facilitators, parents, and stakeholders, to redouble efforts in ensuring no child is left behind.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of Bunkure LGA, Alhaji Aliyu Bashir Mahmoud, reaffirmed the council’s unwavering support for polio eradication efforts, pledging to work closely with all partners to ensure the success of the campaign.
“We are fully committed to eradicating polio from our communities and will continue to support every effort towards that goal,” he stated.
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The flag-off witnessed large turnout of stakeholders, including representatives from Rano Emirate Council, development partners, community-based organizations (CBOs), traditional and religious leaders, and parents, all demonstrating unity and resolve to protect children’s health.
This comes as Kano State battles multiple recent cases of polio, prompting swift action and collaborative outbreak response strategies in partnership with national and international health agencies.