Katsina State and UNICEF Launch Campaign to Immunize 2.8 Million Children Against Polio
Integrated Health Initiative to Reach Every Child Under Five Across All 34 Local Government Areas
ByMu’awuya Bala Idris Katsina
The Katsina State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has commenced a major immunization campaign targeting 2.8 million children under the age of five against polio.
The Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Shamsudeen Yahaya, announced the initiative at a Media Dialogue organized by UNICEF and the Agency. Represented by Dr. Mukhtar Mahmud, Yahaya detailed that the exercise will be conducted across all 34 local government areas, employing door-to-door vaccination and mobile teams to ensure coverage even in hard-to-reach communities.
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“The campaign, which will cover all 34 LGAs in Katsina State, targets over 2.8 million children under the age of five, and will provide critical services including polio vaccination, routine immunization, and mass administration of azithromycin,” stated Dr. Yahaya. “Additionally, we will be integrating maternal and child health services, offering vital interventions such as vitamin A and deworming tablets to children, and other supplements for pregnant women.”
The campaign is designed as a comprehensive health intervention, going beyond polio to address broader maternal and child health needs. Dr. Yahaya emphasized extensive preparations, stating, “We have put in place all necessary measures to ensure the success of this campaign, including stakeholder engagement, training of health workers, and social mobilization activities.” He urged parents to support the effort and called on media practitioners to help mobilize communities.
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Mr. Mohammed Farah, Head of UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, reiterated the commitment to a successful campaign in all 361 wards of the state. “UNICEF has ensured adequate manpower and sufficient doses of vaccines for the exercise,” Farah said. He acknowledged the progress made in reducing polio cases but stressed the need for intensified efforts. “The government and partners must intensify efforts for the total eradication of the disease,” he emphasized.
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The campaign represents a critical step in protecting Katsina’s children from polio and improving overall health outcomes through integrated service delivery.
