Jigawa Collaborates With UNICEF To Immunise 1.6m Children Against Polio

The Jigawa State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has concluded arrangements to launch a special immunisation campaign against polio, targeting over 1.6 million children in the state.

This was disclosed by  Mr. Shehu  Ibrahim, Immunisation Project Manager, Jigawa State Primary Healthcare Agency, during a media dialogue held at Tahir Hotel, Dutse, the state capital.

He noted that the upcoming campaign, scheduled to run from 24th to 30th April 2025, will introduce new innovations to ensure no child is left unvaccinated.

“We have developed a strategy by engaging multiple stakeholders, including 12,000 Community Health Ambassadors, religious leaders, political leaders, and others, to ensure the campaign’s success,” he said.

In his speech at the event, Mr. Rahma Rihood Mohammed Farah , the Chief of UNICEF’s Field Office in Kano, emphasised the media’s crucial role in promoting polio eradication and routine immunisation. He stated that the meeting aimed to brief journalists on campaign preparations and their expected contributions toward achieving the desired goals.

Represented by Dr. Serekeberehan Seyoum Deres, a health manager of UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, Mr. Farah explained that the media dialogue was organised to seek journalists’ support in raising awareness and mobilising parents, caregivers, communities, and stakeholders for the Polio Vaccination Campaign which Nigeria will implement from  24th to 30th April 2025.

The campaign coincides with World Immunisation Week observed during the same period.

He urged media organisations to use their platforms to disseminate information about the campaign and encourage parents to bring their children for vaccination.

“Polio is a highly infectious disease with potentially deadly consequences, including permanent disability in young children. It has been a leading cause of paralysis and can be fatal. Let us work together to eradicate it for the safety and survival of our children,”  Mr Rahama stated.

Media participants assured UNICEF and the Jigawa State Government of their unwavering support and commitment to fighting the disease and promoting public health in general.