In a bold move to contain the resurgence of type 2 poliovirus, the Kano State government has announced plans to vaccinate 3.9 million children under five years old during the June 2025 Outbreak Response (OBR) campaign. This renewed effort is part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to maintain its polio-free certification and prevent future outbreaks.
The announcement came during a media dialogue held in Kano on Thursday, where Dr. Nasir Mahmoud, Director-General of the Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board, outlined the state’s urgent plans and the critical need to boost immunization efforts.
Rising Threat: Why the Polio Campaign is Urgent
Dr. Mahmoud explained that the reappearance of type 2 poliovirus in parts of Kano signaled an alarming setback in the state’s fight against the disease. Surveillance efforts have revealed new cases in Warawa, Bunkure, Nasarawa, and Kano Municipal Local Government Areas.
“The resurgence is due to a combination of community resistance, poor data reporting, and insecurity, all of which disrupted previous immunization campaigns,” Mahmoud said.
He identified Ungogo Local Government Area as the most non-compliant during the May 2025 round of vaccinations, highlighting the urgent need for community engagement to turn the tide.
To address these gaps, the state has implemented a monthly performance ranking system for LGAs, designed to improve accountability and encourage better results across the board.
December 2025: A Dual Health Milestone
Beyond polio, Dr. Mahmoud revealed that the Kano State government has set two health priorities for completion by the end of 2025:
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Complete eradication of polio in the state
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A significant reduction in maternal mortality
“These two goals are central to our public health agenda,” he said. “We will continue working closely with traditional rulers, community leaders, and all 44 local government chairmen to overcome the challenges standing in the way.”
He stressed that collaboration at every level of governance is the only way to achieve full coverage and lasting impact.
UNICEF Calls for Emergency Action
Representing UNICEF at the dialogue, Mr. Rahma Mohammed, Chief of Field Office in Kano, called the detection of the virus in multiple LGAs “unacceptable” and warned of the grave threat polio poses to children across the country.
“Polio is a highly contagious disease. A single case anywhere is a threat to children everywhere,” he emphasized.
To stop the virus from spreading further, Mohammed recommended the declaration of a public health emergency, emphasizing that such a move would strengthen response coordination and resource mobilization.
He also urged:
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Immediate release of counterpart funding
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Increased media engagement to combat vaccine misinformation
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Stronger supervision during immunization campaigns
According to him, “The misinformation and fear surrounding vaccines can be more dangerous than the virus itself. That’s why mass sensitization and public trust are critical.”
Polio: A Persistent Threat That Can Be Prevented
Despite global advancements in eradicating polio, the disease continues to threaten regions where immunization coverage is weak or inconsistent. Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a viral infection that mainly affects children under the age of five. It is transmitted primarily through the fecal-oral route, often due to contaminated food and water.
In rare cases, the virus can be spread via respiratory droplets, particularly in crowded environments with poor sanitation.
What makes the virus especially dangerous is its silent transmission. Up to 90% of infected individuals do not show symptoms, making detection and containment extremely difficult. In some cases, however, the virus invades the nervous system and can cause irreversible paralysis—sometimes within hours.
While vaccination remains the most effective prevention tool, the success of any campaign depends on community trust, logistical efficiency, and political will.
Fighting Resistance and Building Community Trust
In Kano, where vaccine hesitancy and misinformation have hindered progress, both government and health partners are ramping up community outreach. Efforts are being made to engage:
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Religious and traditional leaders, to speak in support of the campaign
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Local influencers and volunteers, to educate families on the importance of immunization
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Media platforms, to disseminate clear, factual messages about vaccine safety
According to Dr. Mahmoud, the next phase of the campaign will focus on areas of low compliance, including Ungogo, by deploying more community mobilizers and enhancing supervision.
Hope on the Horizon: Coordinated Action to End Polio
With the June 2025 vaccination campaign underway, stakeholders are hopeful that aggressive action now can prevent a wider outbreak later. The state’s goal to immunize nearly 4 million children within weeks is ambitious but necessary.
UNICEF, alongside national health agencies and local government partners, continues to provide technical support, logistical coordination, and public advocacy.
“We have come too far to let our guard down,” Mr. Mohammed of UNICEF emphasized. “It’s time for urgent, unified action—not just to keep Nigeria polio-free, but to protect every child, everywhere.”
Final Thoughts: A Test of Commitment and Coordination
The resurgence of poliovirus in Kano is a stark reminder that public health victories can quickly be reversed if vigilance wanes. However, with a renewed push from the Kano State government, strong backing from UNICEF, and growing awareness among communities, there is still time to turn this setback into a success story.
Vaccinating 3.9 million children is not just a public health task—it’s a lifesaving mission that can secure a healthier future for an entire generation.
