The United Nations Children’s Fund has called on parents and stakeholders in Jigawa State to take urgent steps to eliminate the remaining traces of the polio virus.
The appeal was made during a one-day mass mobilisation dialogue with journalists and social media influencers, organised by UNICEF’s Kano Field Office in collaboration with the Jigawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, ahead of the nationwide immunisation campaign scheduled to begin on March 28, 2026.
Speaking at the event, UNICEF’s Jigawa State Team Leader, Jibril Shu’aibu, stressed the critical role of the media in raising awareness and encouraging participation in the vaccination exercise. He noted that accurate information is key to addressing misconceptions and ensuring that every child is reached.
He added that UNICEF has continued to support the state through the deployment of facilitators, volunteers, and community mobilisers to strengthen immunisation efforts.
Also speaking, a consultant with the World Health Organization, Dr Sabiu Muhd, said Nigeria has made significant progress since being declared polio-free in 2018 but warned against complacency. He emphasised that all children must be vaccinated to prevent a resurgence of the virus.
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According to him, the campaign will target about 42 million children across 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with WHO supporting logistics and deployment of health workers.
Meanwhile, Health Education Officer of the Jigawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Sani Yusuf, said the exercise would involve house-to-house visits and fixed vaccination points, targeting over 1.5 million children under five in the state. He assured parents that the vaccines are safe and effective.
Participants at the meeting, including media representatives, pledged their support for the campaign by promoting accurate information, countering misinformation, and mobilising communities to ensure no child is left unvaccinated.
