The United Nations Children’s Fund has urged traditional rulers and local government chairmen in Kano State to strengthen support for routine immunisation to protect children from preventable diseases, particularly polio.

UNICEF’s Advocacy Specialist, Priyanka Khanna, made the call on Saturday in Kaduna during an orientation for 44 local government chairmen and district heads on polio eradication and immunisation.

Ms Khanna explained that polio was a debilitating disease primarily affecting young children, which could lead to lifelong paralysis or even death if left unchecked.

She emphasised that routine immunisation was crucial in preventing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases and stressed the need for traditional rulers and local leaders to help overcome barriers.

Ms Khanna urged chairmen, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to use their influence to encourage communities to prioritise childhood vaccinations and improve immunisation rates in their areas.

She said, “Traditional rulers and local government chairmen are trusted figures within their communities. Their involvement is crucial in changing attitudes towards immunisation and increasing vaccine acceptance.’’

She added that their support would ensure every child receives essential vaccinations, particularly as efforts continue to sustain Nigeria’s polio-free status and prevent future outbreaks.

Ms Khanna noted that Kano State had faced challenges in achieving high immunisation coverage in certain areas, making local engagement even more critical for improving vaccine uptake.

Earlier, Chief of UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, Rahama Farah, called for urgent action to address the growing immunisation gap and protect children’s health across the state.

Mr Farah highlighted that many children in Kano State had not received any routine vaccines, making it the state with the highest number of unvaccinated children in Nigeria.

He noted that the alarming statistics posed a severe risk to both the children’s lives and public health across communities, increasing the chances of disease outbreaks.

He stated, “The future of nearly a quarter of a million children is at risk from preventable diseases that threaten their lives and well-being. This is not just a statistic but a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action to close the immunisation gap.’’

In his remarks, Kano State Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Task Force on Immunisation, Aminu Abdulsalam, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving immunisation rates.

Mr Abdulsalam acknowledged the vital role of local government chairmen and traditional leaders as key partners in efforts to increase vaccine coverage and protect children.

He stressed the importance of collaboration between government agencies, UNICEF, and traditional institutions in reaching the most vulnerable populations across Kano State.

He said, “Our priority is to ensure every child in Kano is protected from polio. We will work with partners like UNICEF to expand vaccination services.’’

(NAN)