The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on the Kano state government to intensify efforts in the fight against polio and strengthen its commitment to routine immunisation.

UNICEFs’ chief of Kano field office, Rahama Farah, made the call on Sunday in Kaduna at the orientation of 44 LGA chairmen and district heads on polio eradication, routine immunisation and PHC services in the state.

Ms Farah emphasised the need for sustained political will to ensure that all children in the state receive life-saving vaccines.

The chief of the Kano field office highlighted that Kano remains a critical state in Nigeria’s efforts to eradicate polio, which is still a threat in certain areas.

He further urged the state government to collaborate with the local communities and health workers to address the challenges being faced in reaching the underserved areas.

“In other words, Kano is home to the highest number of children in Nigeria who have never got any routine immunisation vaccine.

“This is not just a statistic, but the future of nearly a quarter of a million children who are vulnerable to preventable diseases that threaten their lives and the health of our communities.

“This is not an isolated issue, but a deeply concerning trend that puts the health of our entire state at risk.

“It is compounded by the alarming rise in variant poliovirus cases reported in our state.In 2022, we saw 6 reported cases; in 2023, this increased to 27; and in 2024, the number stands at 29.

“This escalating trend is a stark reminder of the critical need for a collective effort to safeguard our children,” he explained.

Ms Farah described the stakeholders as the pillars of the state and community leaders whose voices were heard and respected across Kano.

He urged them to redouble their efforts and reach every corner of the state and encourage parents to vaccinate their children.

“Through your leadership, you can help raise awareness about the importance of immunization and the dangers of vaccine-preventable diseases,” he urged

Earlier, the commissioner for health, Abubakar Labaran, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery.

Ms Labaran said that the current administration had significantly improved healthcare services, highlighting its focus on vaccination, polio eradication, and reducing maternal mortality in the state.

In a remark, the director-general of the state primary healthcare management board, Nasiru Mahmud, explained that the workshop aimed to update the stakeholders on the health indicators, immunisation, polio eradication, and the challenge of zero-dose children in the state.

He also emphasised the importance of familiarising the participants with their roles and responsibilities in addressing these issues and securing their commitment.

Some of the participants pledged to redouble their efforts and work closely with UNICEF to eradicate polio as well as improve routine immunisation.

(NAN)