Katsina LG Chairmen, Traditional Leaders To Tackle Polio

The Katsina State government, in collaboration with local government area (LGA) chairmen, health secretaries, district heads and development partners, has reaffirmed their commitment to the eradication of poliovirus and the strengthening of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) across the state.

This was the outcome of a two-day engagement meeting held in Kaduna, where stakeholders signed a commitment to lead local responses, ensure timely emergency meetings and actively support vaccination campaigns in the 34 LGAs of the state.

According to a commitment paper signed at the end of the meeting, the deputy governor of Katsina State and stakeholders resolved to convene emergency council meetings within 72 hours of any reported polio case, preside over monthly outbreak review sessions and end each outbreak swiftly.

The declaration was signed by key officials, including the deputy governor, commissioners for Health and Local Government, ALGON chairman, traditional rulers as well as representatives of UNICEF, WHO and Gavi.

“We pledge to guarantee the timely release of counterpart funding to support both campaign and routine vaccination efforts, while strengthening oversight mechanisms to track performance and ensure no child is left unvaccinated,” the commitment read.

They also committed to tackling vaccine hesitancy through engagement with religious and traditional leaders, targeting at least 90 percent resolution of non-compliance cases within each quarter.

The government vowed to intensify community mobilization efforts, particularly in hard-to-reach and nomadic settlements, by empowering local task forces and deploying necessary support for frontline health workers and volunteers.

The deputy governor, Umar Farouk Lawal, who represented Governor Dikko Radda, emphasised the administration’s policy thrust “Building a Healthy Katsina,” revealing that over N60 billion has been invested in the health sector over the past two years.

Lawal noted that the administration’s “One Functional PHC Per Ward” strategy is on course, with 260 facilities completed and others undergoing revitalisation, including provision of water supply, solar power, fencing, and tricycle ambulances for easier access.

“We are committed to eradicating polio and strengthening routine immunisation. But success demands partnership and collective resolve. I urge all stakeholders to own this process and sustain momentum at the grassroots,” he said.

Executive secretary of the Katsina State Primary Healthcare Agency, Dr. Shamsudeen Yahaya, said the state has made significant progress in improving healthcare delivery, especially at the PHC level, and would deepen collaboration with partners for lasting impact.

On his part, ALGON deputy chairman, Hon. Rabo Tambaya Danja, lauded the efforts of traditional and religious leaders in promoting immunisation, noting that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) hinges on protecting mothers and children from preventable diseases.

UNICEF’s Chief of Kano Field Office, Mr. Mohammed Farah, reaffirmed the agency’s support for Katsina State, highlighting the unique challenges of reaching nomadic populations in border communities and urging continued efforts to close routine immunisation gaps.