By Huldah Shado
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised concerns following the detection of a poliovirus variant in four local government areas of Kano State.
UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kano, Mr. Rahama Mohammed, disclosed the alarming development during the June edition of the Media Dialogue on Polio and Routine Immunization held in the state on Thursday.
According to him, surveillance activities conducted in 2025 revealed the presence of the virus in Warawa, Bunkure, Kano Municipal, and Nasarawa LGAs.
Describing the situation as “worrisome,” Mohammed warned that polio, a highly infectious disease, poses a significant threat to public health, particularly in under-immunized communities, and spreads rapidly without regard for borders.
He called on government authorities, traditional leaders, and the media to intensify awareness campaigns and prioritize vaccination, especially in high-risk areas.
“Achieving comprehensive immunization coverage is critical to halting transmission and protecting our children,” he said.
Mohammed reaffirmed UNICEF’s unwavering support for Nigeria’s polio eradication efforts and stressed the need for enhanced coordination, accountability, and grassroots involvement to ensure the effectiveness of immunization campaigns.
Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board, Dr. Nasiru Mahmud, reiterated the state government’s commitment to eliminating polio by the end of 2025.
He noted that alongside efforts to achieve zero-polio status, the government is also focused on significantly reducing maternal mortality across the state.
Dr. Mahmud emphasized the importance of working closely with traditional institutions and local government councils to overcome persistent challenges in the fight against polio.
He underlined the vital role of community engagement and affirmed the government’s resolve to meet its health targets.
Through a coordinated and inclusive approach, Kano State aims to address the latest poliovirus threat with the urgency and determination it requires.
