Kano Govt Warns Parents Against Resistance To Polio Vaccination

Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Yusuf has warned parents against resisting polio vaccination, saying serious measures would be taken against any parent found opposing the ongoing polio vaccination exercise in the state.

The warning followed the discovering of three new polio cases in Warawa, Bunkure and Nassarawa local government areas of the state.

Governor Yusuf who was represented by his deputy, Comrade Abdulsalam Gwarzo, gave the warning during the flag off ceremony of the first round of the 2025 Polio vaccination campaign in Warawa local government area of the state.

According to the governor, investigation has revealed that some families in the affected local government areas refused to present their children for any immunisation, increasing the risk of infecting others. He stressed the need for parents to present their wards for the vaccine to boost their immunity.

He cited Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Kuwait, Iran, Tunisia and Indonesia among others which either produce the vaccine or have taken it to become polio-free, saying religion had nothing to do with it, but lack of love for children.

He, therefore, urged them to present their children for the exercise to ensure healthy growth and eliminate the disease before the December deadline.

While thanking the development partners for their support, the governor reiterated the state government’s commitment to the development of the health sector and welfare of its citizens.

Speaking also, the state commissioner of health, Dr. Labaran Yusuf, explained that the state was being challenged by the influx of immigrants but would ensure that any child coming into the state or born in the state must be vaccinated and recorded.

While noting that the number of cases  recorded in 2024 had reduced, he said in 2025, there would be four rounds of the campaign, and parents should ensure their children are reached and vaccinated.

In his remarks, the chief of UNICEF field Office, Mr. Micheal Banda, said Nigeria remained central to the global efforts to stop the circulating variant polioviruses, noting that, Kano is a high priority state.

“The polio vaccine is safe, effective and has reduced polio cases by 99.9% since 1988. But polio is still a threat, just one case can spark outbreaks. To eliminate it, we must vaccinate all children under the age of five years in every round,” he said.

He restated UNICEF’s commitment to support the state government’s effort in reaching every child and strengthening community engagement.