The Katsina State Government has announced plans to immunise over three million children across all 34 local government areas as part of its ongoing efforts to eradicate the polio virus.
Dr. Shamsuddeen Yahaya, Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, shared this during a media dialogue on polio and routine immunisation, held in Katsina ahead of the World Immunisation Week (April 24–30, 2025).
He noted that public awareness campaigns have significantly reduced non-compliance with polio and other child immunisation programs. However, Katsina remains one of the states still affected by a variant of the polio virus, likely due to insecurity, particularly along its border with Zamfara State.
Dr. Yahaya explained that due to limited access to some communities, targeted efforts are being made to identify and respond to areas where the virus is still circulating. To this end, a special immunisation response is scheduled from April 26 to 29, followed by a two-day mop-up.
“We’ve adopted innovative strategies to reach every eligible child. This marks a strategic shift—we’re strengthening accountability to ensure all stakeholders deliver. There will be zero tolerance for fake finger markings or data falsification,” he stated.
He also mentioned plans for outdoor vaccination drives to ensure wider coverage.
To support these efforts, over 3,700 independent monitors—including NYSC members, teachers, academics, and retired health professionals—will be deployed to facilitate smooth implementation of the immunisation activities.
UNICEF Nutrition Manager from the Kano Field Office, Dr. Kharamveer Singh, emphasized the need for joint efforts in the fight against polio. He urged the media to ramp up awareness among parents and caregivers, noting that even countries declared polio-free remain at risk unless every child is fully vaccinated.
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