The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Katsina State Government have reaffirmed their joint commitment to eradicating polio, unveiling a bold and community-driven strategy ahead of the National Polio Immunisation Round scheduled for April 24–30, 2025.
In a strategic media dialogue held in Katsina, UNICEF through its Kano Field Office, rallied media professionals across the region to amplify public awareness, combat vaccine hesitancy, and drive support for routine immunisation.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Kharan Singh, Head of Nutrition and Acting Chief of UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, stressed the importance of sustained vaccine coverage.
“Polio remains a threat as long as routine immunisation coverage falls below 95 per cent. The vaccine is safe, effective, and essential. We must ensure no child is left behind,” he said.
Dr. Singh urged the media to take an active role in building vaccine confidence and addressing misinformation, calling on journalists to partner with religious and community leaders to deliver culturally sensitive, fact-based messages.
Echoing UNICEF’s resolve, the Katsina State Government declared a shift in its vaccination strategy from the traditional house-to-house approach to a public, community based model.
The move aims to increase transparency, reduce malpractice, and encourage community ownership of the process.
“We are committed to reaching every child with sincerity and accountability,” said Dr. Shamsuddeen Yahaya, executive secretary of the Katsina State Primary Health Care Development Agency.
“We’ve reinforced our monitoring systems, and health workers found negligent will be sanctioned accordingly.”
As part of the revamped strategy, the state has deployed over 3,700 independent monitors including retired health professionals, teachers, and NYSC members to ensure proper oversight across all 34 local government areas.
Katsina’s immunisation infrastructure is also receiving a boost, with 1,636 functional health facilities equipped with trained personnel and solar-powered cold chain systems to maintain vaccine integrity.
In her presentation, Hajia Sahura Muhammad, the state immunisation officer and GOC Immunisation Polio, provided an overview of the state’s progress, noting that while strides have been made, challenges like parental reluctance and misinformation remain.
She stressed the need for continuous engagement with communities and urged the media to remain steadfast in its role as agents of change.
“Media support is critical in breaking the cycle of fear and skepticism. We need you to tell the real story of immunisation,” she said.
With this united front, UNICEF and the Katsina State Government have sent a clear message: polio must be and will be eradicated. Through innovation, transparency, and community collaboration, they are determined to make the virus history in Katsina.
