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UNICEF Kano field office has assured its readiness to support Kano state government in eradication of polio in the state.
The Head of state field office Dr Rahma Rihood Mohamed Farah stated this during the flag off of April 2025 polio OBRI camping in warawa local government area.
Dr. Rahma Rihood Mohamed Farah represented by senior education officer UNICEF Kano field office Dr Michael Banda said.
It is a privilege for UNICEF to be part of this important event as we launch the polio vaccination campaign in Kano under the National Immunization Plus Days.
He said, Nigeria remains central to global efforts to stop circulating variant polioviruses, and Kano is a high-priority state. The leadership at all levels is essential to reaching every child with life-saving vaccines
“As we celebrate World Immunization Week, we must reflect on the impact of vaccines-saving over 150 million lives in 50 years globally. Yet, global funding cuts threaten this progress. Now more than ever, we must unite and act locally to protect our children,” Dr Rahma added.
According to the UNICEF field office Kano, the oral polio vaccine is safe, effective, and has reduced polio cases by 99.9% since 1988. But polio is still a threat just one case can spark outbreaks. To eliminate it, we must vaccinate all children under the age of five years in every wund Dr. Rahma Rihood Mohamed Farah further said In 2025, Kano has reported three circulating variant polio viruses in Warawa, Nassarawa and Bunkure Local Government areas. Kano has many children who are missed cach round.
“From this morning vaccinators will go door-to-door to reach every child. Additionally, Kano has low routine immunization rates and a high number of zero-dose children-factors that keep polio circulating. UNICEF remains committed to supporting kano’s efforts. We will continue working with government and partners to reach every child and strengthen community engagement.”
“We commend the high-level commitment of Kano state government and all the state government structure, the tireless work of health workers, volunteers, and community leaders. Together, let’s make this campaign a success for every child and for a polio-free world,” UNICEF added.
Speaking earlier, the state deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo emphasized the need of parents to see all the children under five received their Vaccine during the exercise in all 44 local government areas of the state.
“Let me use this opportunity to tell you that, kano state government will take legal action to non-compliance, because we will do everything possible to get our children healthy,” Kano Gov’t said.
In his speech, the state commissioner for health Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf said the April 2025 immunization Exercise flag off in warawa local government area came as a result of cases in 3 local government areas in the state that is Warawa, Nassarawa and Bunkure local government areas.
The commissioner commended the Kano state government, federal ministry of health through national primary health care development agency and development partners in their effort to end the Polio In state.
Also in his speech, the Emir of Kano Malam Muhammad Sunusi II reassured all support for the success of all immunization Exercise across the state through the District Heads, village and Ward heads.
