Kaduna State government and development partners have renewed their commitment in a final push to the total eradication of polio in Nigeria, describing the fight as a collective duty.
The partners include UNICEF, Rotary International, WHO, and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
At a press briefing shortly after a sensitisation rally to commemorate the 2025 World Polio Day, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Health, represented by Dr Hamza Ibrahim Ikara, said the day serves as a reminder of the remarkable progress made in the global fight against polio and the need to sustain efforts until the disease is completely eradicated.
“This year’s theme, ‘A Healthier Future for All’, reminds us of our collective responsibility to ensure every child is protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.
“Although Nigeria has been certified wild-polio-free, we must remain vigilant. Kaduna State has reported three cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus in the last two months, with Giwa Local Government Area recording the most recent. This is why days like this are crucial – to reignite commitment and reinforce our resolve,” he stated.
He said the state government had declared a state of emergency on immunisation to improve coverage, expanded outreach to hard-to-reach areas, and strengthened community-based surveillance systems to detect early warning signs of outbreaks.
A UNICEF health specialist, Dr Idris Baba, described World Polio Day as an opportunity to mobilize resources, promote solidarity, and demonstrate empathy for polio survivors.
“We have achieved 99 percent success in the eradication journey, but that remaining 1 percent still threatens the global community. As partners, we stand in solidarity with Kaduna State and Nigeria to finish the job. We must not drop the ball now,” he said.
Also, a representative of Rotary International, Alhaji Aruna Usman, said the organisation’s role in the global eradication initiative dates back to 1988, noting that polio eradication remains Rotary’s flagship humanitarian project.
“Today is a great day for Rotary and for Nigeria. Despite being certified polio-free, there are still isolated cases, and we must push ahead to kick polio out of Africa. We call on governments and partners to strengthen routine immunisation, especially in bandit-affected and hard-to-reach areas,” he said.
Dr Ikara urged parents and caregivers to ensure that all children under five receive every recommended dose of vaccine, while calling on the media to continue countering misinformation and supporting public health education.
“No child should be disabled by polio. Immunisation is safe, free and remains the most powerful tool to protect our children and our future,” he stressed.
He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to keeping the state polio-free through continuous community engagement and public enlightenment.
They emphasised that the fight against polio requires collective responsibility and sustained vigilance. The partners also commended Kaduna residents for their cooperation over the years, while encouraging continued support toward achieving a world completely free of polio.
The event brought together representatives from UNICEF, Rotary International, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and several local health organisations, in a commitment to eradicate polio and sustain immunisation coverage across the state.
Participants, including polio survivors and volunteers, marched with banners carrying messages of hope and awareness, urging parents to ensure their children receive all routine immunizations.
The rally, which began at the State Ministry of Health, featured songs, chants and distribution of educational leaflets on the importance of vaccination in preventing childhood diseases.
