KNSG, UNICEF and Partners Commit to End Polio at World Polio Day Commemoration
Kano State Government and its health partners have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to polio eradications.following the sobering discovery of four new variants of the virus in the state.
The pledge was made at a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday to commemorate World Polio Day, where officials highlighted both the progress made and the persistent challenges in the final push against the disease.
Director General of Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board ,Professor Salisu Ahmad represented by the Director of Disease Control, acknowledged the state’s difficult history Between 2013 and 2015.
“Kano was known to be the Center of polio virus in Nigeria, Through concerted efforts of the state government and partners, the virus was eradicated. However, the job is not done yet, as four new variants were discovered with one case still undergoing laboratory test.” He stated
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The State Immunisation Officer, Hajia Saadatu Ibrahim, provided details, noting that two cases of the new variants were found in children in rural areas, while the remaining two were detected in contaminated waters in urban localities.
“This is a clear signal that our work must continue. Environmental sanitation alone is not enough to end vaccine-preventable diseases. We must therefore ensure our children are routinely vaccinated,” Hajia Sa’a Ibrahim urged.
Echoing the state government’s resolve, Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, Chief of the UNICEF Field Office Kano, declared that a polio-free future is achievable.
“Polio eradication is possible, and truly within our reach, but success depends on our collective resolve to sustain momentum,” he asserted.
Mr. Farah outlined essential actions, including political commitment, high-quality vaccination campaigns, and unwavering community engagement.
He emphasized that campaigns must reach every child, especially those in remote, underserved areas.
He also called for strengthened routine immunization to close immunity gaps.and addressed the critical threat of misinformation.
“the safety and efficacy of polio vaccines are beyond question. They remain our strongest defense against paralysis and death.”Mr Farah .
Mr. Farah specifically recognized the pivotal role of Ward Development Committees (WDCs), crediting them for their “extreme work in mobilizing communities and resolving vaccine hesitancy.
“Thank you all for your unwavering commitment I urge you to sustain the momentum. The work you are doing will help us protect every child and secure a healthy, hopeful tomorrow,” he said.
The mothers and caregivers attending the event Commended the State Government, UNICEF,WHO,Solina,NPHCDA and partners for their relentless efforts to eradicate the disease.
However they specifically praised the ongoing campaigns, which they described as crucial for educating families and overcoming vaccine hesitancy.
The event held in North West University Kano which brought together Different stackhodels, government officials and people from community.