By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse
In a renewed offensive against the resurgence of polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases, the Jigawa State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has concluded plans to immunise over 1.6 million children across the state.
The week-long campaign, slated for April 24 to 30, 2025, will coincide with World Immunization Week, reinforcing the global commitment to protect children against life-threatening diseases.
This was revealed by Mr. Shehu Ibrahim, the Immunization Project Manager at the Jigawa State Primary Healthcare Agency, during a media dialogue session held at Tahir Hotel, Dutse.
“We have developed a robust strategy involving over 12,000 Community Health Ambassadors, along with religious leaders, traditional rulers, and political stakeholders to ensure no child is left behind,” Ibrahim stated.
He added that new innovations and technologies have been introduced to improve reach and real-time monitoring, especially in hard-to-reach rural areas.
Also speaking at the session, Mr. Rahma Rihood Mohammed Farah, Chief of UNICEF’s Field Office in Kano, underscored the essential role of media platforms in the fight against polio and in promoting routine immunization coverage.
Represented by Dr. Serekeberehan Seyoum Deres, UNICEF’s Health Manager in Kano, Mr. Farah said the dialogue was organised to deepen media engagement and secure broad-based public awareness ahead of the campaign.
“Polio is a highly infectious disease with potentially deadly consequences, including paralysis and death. Let us work together to eradicate it for the safety and survival of our children,” he urged.
He explained that the campaign aims not only to deliver life-saving vaccines but also to galvanise community participation through consistent messaging from trusted voices.
The campaign will include door-to-door vaccination drives, fixed posts at health centres, and mobile teams covering underserved settlements. Jigawa’s partnership with UNICEF is expected to strengthen vaccine logistics, enhance cold chain systems, and ensure last-mile delivery.
Participating journalists pledged to use their platforms to raise awareness, dispel myths, and encourage parents to ensure their children receive the polio vaccine.
“Media professionals must go beyond headlines—we are frontline advocates for child survival,” one participant noted during the dialogue.
Jigawa State remains one of Nigeria’s highest-priority regions for immunization campaigns, given its large rural population and vulnerability to disease outbreaks due to seasonal mobility and limited health access in some areas.