Katsina targets 3M children against polio virus

Katsina State Government said it will immunise no fewer than three million children against polio from April 26 to 29.

The Katsina State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHCA) confirmed the campaign during a media dialogue on Wednesday, April 26, 2025.

Executive Secretary of SPHCA, Dr Shamsudeen Yahaya, disclosed the target during an event held in Katsina.

UNICEF, state officials, and other health partners attended the dialogue focused on polio and routine immunisation.

Yahaya said the campaign coincides with global activities celebrating routine immunisation.

He explained that the exercise aims to raise awareness on preventing child deaths through timely immunisation.

He urged media professionals to educate caregivers and communities about the importance of child immunisation.

The state currently operates 1,636 health facilities providing routine immunisation services.

Yahaya said the government will deploy 3,700 independent monitors to ensure every eligible child receives the vaccine.

He emphasised the need for full coverage to prevent any outbreak or resurgence of the virus.

Also speaking, Dr Karanveer Singh, UNICEF’s Nutrition Manager and Officer-in-Charge, Kano Field Office, issued a warning.

Singh said polio is highly infectious and can cause permanent paralysis in infected children.

He stressed the importance of immunising every child during each round of the campaign.

According to him, no child should be missed if eradication efforts are to succeed.

Singh described immunisation as the backbone of disease eradication campaigns.

He urged stakeholders and caregivers to increase efforts to reach all children under five years.

Singh said repeated vaccination helps build strong community immunity against the virus.

He encouraged community leaders to mobilise parents for full participation.

He praised Katsina State’s commitment to ending polio and other deadly childhood diseases.

UNICEF reaffirmed its support for Katsina and other northern states in immunisation campaigns.

Yahaya assured that logistics and personnel are in place for effective vaccine delivery.

He urged parents to present their children at immunisation centres during the campaign.

The government appealed to traditional rulers and religious leaders to support mobilisation efforts.

Katsina continues to prioritise child health through sustained vaccination and awareness initiatives

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