Kano targets 3.9 Million children in June Polio vaccination campaign

The Kano State Government has unveiled plans to vaccinate 3.9 million children under five years of age as part of its June 2025 Outbreak Response (OBR) immunisation campaign aimed at eradicating polio across the state.

Speaking during a media dialogue in Kano, the Director-General of the Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Dr Nasir Mahmoud, said the exercise aligns with Nigeria’s national strategy to curb polio transmission and preserve the country’s polio-free status through sustained immunisation efforts.

Dr Mahmoud expressed concern over the resurgence of type 2 poliovirus in some parts of the state, attributing the development to community resistance, poor data reporting, and insecurity that hampered the success of previous vaccination rounds.

He revealed that Ungogo Local Government Area recorded the highest number of unresolved non-compliance cases during the May 2025 round.

He commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his unwavering support, especially for the timely release of counterpart funds, and disclosed that local government areas are now being ranked monthly to monitor performance and boost immunisation coverage.

On his part, UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Rahma Rihood Farah, confirmed four new polio cases in 2025, spread across Warawa, Bunkure, Nasarawa, and Kano Municipal LGAs.

Mr Farah called on the state to declare a state of emergency on polio and routine immunisation, emphasising that the current situation demands urgent, coordinated action to protect children’s health.