Two new instances of polio have been confirmed in Hadejia and Suletankarkar Native Authorities Areas of Jigawa State, marking a major setback for Nigeria, almost a decade after the nation was declared polio-free.
The announcement was made throughout a media dialogue on polio and routine immunization organized by the United Nations Kids’s Fund (UNICEF) in Dutse, the state capital.
Talking on behalf of UNICEF Kano Subject Workplace Chief, Mr. Rahama Rihood Farah, the company’s Well being Supervisor, Dr. Serekeberehan Seyoum Deres, expressed deep concern over the resurgence of the extremely contagious illness. He warned that polio might result in lifelong paralysis and even demise in youngsters if not rapidly addressed.
“In 2025 alone, 18 instances of polio have been recorded throughout 9 states and 18 native authorities areas in Nigeria, together with Hadejia and Suletankarkar LGAs of Jigawa. That is unacceptable,” Dr. Deres acknowledged. “Polio is aware of no boundaries and spreads rapidly. An outbreak in a single area places youngsters in every single place in danger.”
Dr. Deres emphasised that over 3 billion folks have been vaccinated in opposition to polio globally since 1988, saving an estimated 154 million lives within the final 50 years. Nevertheless, he confused that low routine immunization protection continues to threaten progress in nations like Nigeria.
UNICEF has known as on the Jigawa State Authorities to declare a State of Emergency on Polio and Routine Immunization, launch counterpart funding, and guarantee all 27 native authorities chairmen make related commitments.
The media, he added, should play a central position in disseminating correct data to fight myths and misinformation about vaccines. He mentioned Nigeria can eradicate vaccine-preventable illnesses if routine immunization is strengthened throughout all wards, with useful Main Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in place.
Coinciding with World Immunization Week, Farah urged the Nigerian authorities to put money into the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to assist eradicate cervical most cancers alongside polio and measles.
In response to the outbreak, the Govt Secretary of Jigawa State Main Healthcare Improvement Company (PHCDA), Dr. Sambo, represented by Dr. Hassan Shu’aibu Kwalam, introduced the launch of a statewide immunization marketing campaign beginning Wednesday, April 24, 2025, and lasting for six days.
The train goals to immunize 1.9 million youngsters, with over 2 million doses of vaccines acquired for the marketing campaign. Greater than 50,000 ad-hoc workers have been recruited to function throughout 3,060 vaccination groups, masking 287 political wards in all 27 LGAs of the state.
To spice up neighborhood participation, a high-level sensitization assembly was held with conventional and spiritual leaders, chaired by the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Muhammad Hamim Nuhu, together with the Emirs of Hadejia and Gumel.
Dr. Shehu Ibrahim, Programme Supervisor of the State Emergency Routine Immunisation Coordination Centre (SERICC), mentioned the earlier marketing campaign in February 2025 missed seven youngsters in Garki, Kaugama, and Maigatari LGAs resulting from non-compliance, typically linked to political mistrust and misinformation.
He warned that such attitudes pose a threat not solely to unvaccinated youngsters but additionally to the broader neighborhood, stressing the necessity for political neutrality in well being campaigns.
“The success of this marketing campaign will rely upon neighborhood cooperation, correct data, and sustained dedication from all ranges of presidency,” Dr. Shehu acknowledged.
UNICEF and state authorities proceed to induce mother and father, caregivers, and neighborhood leaders to make sure all eligible youngsters are vaccinated, to forestall additional outbreaks and transfer nearer to a polio-free Nigeria.
