The Kano state government has targeted about 4.5 million children for the April 2025 Immunisation Plus Days (IPDs) polio campaign.
This was announced at a media dialogue organised in collaboration with UNICEF and other partners to mobilise public support and media advocacy for the campaign.
In 2025 alone, Nigeria recorded 18 cases of polio across nine states, with three cases traced to Kano’s Warawa, Bunkure, and Nasarawa LGAs.
Rahma Rihood Mohammed Farah, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kano, represented by Officer-in-Charge, Micheal Banda, emphasized the importance of sustained funding and strengthening primary healthcare systems.
“To eradicate polio, the government of Kano state should declare a state of emergency on polio and routine immunization, all LGA Chairpersons in Kano conduct flag offs of the upcoming polio vaccine campaign, chairmen should implement commitments made publicly in Kaduna.”
Mr Banda urged the media to use their various platforms to share information about the polio vaccine and mobilise their children massively for the campaign.
Dr Faisal Mahmoud, the Director-General of Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board, represented by the Director of disease control, Dr Sharif Yahaya Musa, explained that the media has a vital role to play in disseminating the right information to the public.
He noted that effective coverage would lead to better health outcomes, improving low coverage, and a clear understanding of the consequences of zero dose.
Saadatu Ibrahim, the Kano state immunisation officer, warned that every missed child was a place for polio to hide, describing the April IDPs 2025 campaign as an opportunity to further strengthen children’s immunity against polio.
The vaccination campaign will run from April 20-30, coinciding with World Immunisation Week