UNICEF Calls for Media Support in Polio Vaccination Campaign in Kano, Jigawa, Katsina.

The campaign, organized by UNICEF and the Kano State Government, aims to mobilize caregivers to bring…. 

By Ali Rabiu Ali Gwaram, Dutse. 

Kano, Nigeria – In a speech delivered at the Polio Media Dialogue at Tahir Guest Palace, Kano, on Wednesday, April 18, 2024, Mr. Michael Banda, Officer-in-Charge, UNICEF Field Office Kano, emphasized the importance of media support in the upcoming polio vaccination campaign in Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina states.

The campaign, organized by UNICEF and the Kano State Government, aims to mobilize caregivers to bring their children for vaccination and increase uptake of Routine Immunization, especially for children under five years old.

Banda highlighted the progress made in Nigeria’s fight against polio, including the country’s certification as Wild Polio Free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020. However, he noted that recent traces of cVPV2 have underscored the need for continued efforts to strengthen Routine Immunization and prevent the transmission of all types of polioviruses.

According to Banda, over 556,750 children in Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina states have not received a single dose of vaccination, leaving them vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases, including poliomyelitis.

He emphasized the critical role of the media in managing misinformation and vaccine hesitancy, and urged media partners to support the campaign by sharing key information and messages with the public.

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UNICEF has pledged to continue supporting the government in strengthening the primary healthcare system, including the goal of having at least one functional primary healthcare center in every ward in Nigeria.

The media orientation session was attended by health sector partners, UNICEF colleagues, media representatives, and other stakeholders.”