The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern over the increasing number of polio cases in Kano State.
UNICEF’s Kano Chief of Field Office, Mr Rahma Farah, raised the alarm during an orientation for 44 Local Government Area (LGA) chairmen and district heads on polio eradication, routine immunisation, and primary healthcare (PHC) services.
Farah said that more than a quarter of a million children in Kano have never received routine immunisation vaccines, making the state home to the highest number of zero-dose children in Nigeria.
“This isn’t just a statistic; it represents the future of nearly a quarter of a million children who are vulnerable to preventable diseases, putting their lives and our communities at risk.
“This is not an isolated issue but a deeply concerning trend that threatens the health of our entire state.”
Farah also highlighted the alarming rise in variant poliovirus cases in the state, with six cases reported in 2022, 27 in 2023, and 29 in 2024.
“This escalating trend underscores the critical need for collective efforts to safeguard our children,” he stated.
He emphasised the importance of vaccination in preventing diseases such as polio, measles, and diphtheria, urging local government chairpersons, traditional leaders, and the state government to strengthen immunisation efforts.
“I urge you to establish well-funded and functional immunisation task forces in each local government area,” Farah said.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery, particularly in vaccination, polio eradication, and reducing maternal mortality.
Director-General of the State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Dr Nasiru Mahmud, explained that the workshop was designed to update stakeholders on health indicators, immunisation, polio eradication, and the challenge of zero-dose children.
He stressed the importance of familiarising participants with their roles and responsibilities in addressing these issues.
Jamilu Danbatta, the chairman of the Association for Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano, spoke on behalf of the participants.
He pledged to intensify efforts to eradicate polio and improve routine immunisation in the state.
Danbatta also expressed commitment to collaborating with UNICEF to ensure the success of these efforts and strengthen immunisation initiatives across Kano.(NAN)