Polio: Zamfara Targets 1.6m Children For Immunisation

The Zamfara State Government has targeted 1.6 million children to be vaccinated in this round of immunisation exercise, urging parents to comply and assuring that the vaccine is safe.

This was disclosed on Friday evening by the Executive Secretary of the Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Hussaini Yakubu Anka, during a media dialogue held at the Emergency Operations Centre, Gusau, Zamfara State.

He further revealed that 10 new cases of polio were discovered in five local government areas in the state.

According to him, as part of efforts to ensure no child is left unvaccinated, a total of teams have been deployed across communities to ensure the successful vaccination exercise in the state.

“This time around, we have strategised our operations on a house-to-house campaign, with the distribution of a plus Indomie pack to every child that is vaccinated to ensure a successful exercise in the state,” he stated.

He maintained that this round of polio immunisation is targeting 1.6 million children and will commence on Saturday, 18 April 2026, to ensure no child is left unvaccinated in the state.

“There are 10 new cases of poliomyelitis recorded in five local government areas in the state, including Gummi, Bungudu, Shinkafi, Tsafe and Maru.”

He said the polio vaccine is safe, and urged religious leaders, community leaders, parents and guardians to mobilise their wards towards the success of the exercise.

Dr Hussaini Yakubu Anka also revealed that the state government has directed local government council chairmen to mobilise more security within their areas for the success of the exercise.

He warned polio workers to adhere to guidelines and refrain from diverting items meant for children who are vaccinated.

“The state government, through the Ministry of Health, will not take lightly anyone caught diverting the Indomie packs meant for vaccinated children,” he warned.