Governor Alhaji Abba Yusuf of Kano State has warned Parents against resisting polio vaccination, saying serious measures would be taken against any parent who resist the ongoing polio vaccination exercise in the state.
The Governor gave the warning during the flag-off ceremony of the 1st round of the 2025 Polio vaccination campaign in Warawa Local Government Area of the state.
This warning is coming following the discovery of three new cases in Warawa, Bunkure and Nassarawa local government areas of the state.
The Governor represented by his deputy Comrade Abdulsalam Gwarzo, explained that investigation has revealed that some families in the affected LGAs have refused to present their children for any immunization, rising the risk to affecting others.
He stressed the need for Parent to present their wards for the vaccine to boost their immunity.
According to him Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Kuwait, Iran, Tunisia Mecca and Indonesia among others who either produce the vaccine or have taken it to become polio free, saying religion has nothing to do with it, but lack of love for a child.
He therefore urged them to present their children for the exercise to ensure a healthy growth and also put an end to the disease before the December dateline.
While thanking the development partners for their support, the governor reiterated the state government commitment to the development of the health sector and welfare of its citizens.
Also speaking the state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Labaran Yusuf, explained that, the state is being challenged by the influx of immigrants but would ensure that any child coming into the state or is been given birth to are been vaccinated and recorded.
While noting that the number of cases recorded in 2024 has reduced, he said in 2025, there would be four rounds of campaign, as such, parent should ensure their children are reached and vaccinated.
In a remark, the officer in Charge of UNICEF field office Kano, Mr. Micheal Banda, noted that Nigeria remained central to the global efforts to stopping the circulating variant Polio viruses.
“The polio vaccine is safe, effective, and has reduced polio cases by 99.9% since 1988. But polio is still a threat – just one case can spark outbreaks. To eliminate it, we must vaccinate all children under the age of five years in every round.”
He however restated UNICEF commitment to supporting the state government effort in reaching every child and strengthening community engagements.
Khadijah Aliyu.
