Polio: Kano, Katsina, Jigawa lead Nigeria’s unvaccinated crisis as UNICEF pushes for change
UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kano, Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed
Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga
By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) revealed that Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States are home to approximately 556,750 “zero-dose” children, that is children who have not received a single vaccine dose against polio, meningitis, and other preventable diseases.
This announcement came from UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kano, Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed, during the launch of the #NoMoreZeroDose Immunization Song held at Tahir Guest Palace in Kano on World Polio Day on Friday.
Providing a breakdown, Mohammed disclosed that Kano has 280,281 zero-dose children, Katsina has 171,491, and Jigawa has 104,978.
He expressed concern, noting, “These are children who should be vaccinated but have never received even one dose of vaccines like Penta 3.”
Nationally, Nigeria has an estimated two million zero-dose children, who face a high risk of diseases like polio.
Mohammed emphasised the importance of spreading awareness through the new #NoMoreZeroDose song to highlight the critical role of immunisation and the need for full vaccination coverage for all children under five.
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In his address, he called for enhanced healthcare systems, including routine immunisation and wider access to basic healthcare services, with strong support from government, community, and religious leaders, health workers, influencers, and the media.
“The #NoMoreZeroDose song epitomises UNICEF’s and its partners’ commitment in West and Central Africa to improve immunisation coverage, especially given the region’s history of outbreaks of preventable diseases,” he added.
The #NoMoreZeroDose song, launched in Nigeria and across West and Central Africa, features popular artists like Cobhams, WAJE, Master Soumy, Sekouba Bambino, Stanley Enow, Mawndoe, Spyro, Timi Dakolo, Omawumi, Qing Madi, Kate Henshaw, and Ali Nuhu, serving as a unifying call to action.
He urged local influencers, media, and Kannywood stars to use their platforms to ensure the message of vaccination reaches every household.
“I commend the recent efforts of the Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa governments in improving immunisation rates, but further action is essential,” he stated, emphasising the importance of proper funding for immunisation and active local government involvement in polio eradication efforts.
The event attracted dignitaries including Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, Kano State Commissioner of Health and Vice Chairman of the State Immunisation Task Force; Dr. Nasir Muhammad Mahmoud, Director-General of the Kano State Health Care Management Board; Comrade Abubakar Adamu Rano, Managing Director of Kano Radio Corporation; and various traditional, religious, and social media influencers.
