Kaduna Reaffirms Commitment to Eradicate Polio as State Marks World Polio Day 2025
By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating all forms of poliovirus and strengthening immunization coverage across the state, as it joined the global community to commemorate World Polio Day 2025 with the theme “A Healthier Future for All.”
Speaking during a press briefing, Professor Bello Jamoh, Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board (SPHCB), represented by the Director of Disease Control, Dr. Hamza Ibrahim Ikara, said the fight against polio remains a top priority for the state.
He noted that although Nigeria was certified free of the wild poliovirus, the state has continued to record sporadic cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus, with three detections in the past two months, the latest in Giwa Local Government Area.
“Our work is not yet done until we fully eradicate the poliovirus from our state and country.
“We must remain committed to reaching every child, especially those in hard-to-reach and security-compromised areas. No child should ever be disabled by polio,” Jamoh stated.
The Executive Secretary said the state government has taken proactive measures, including declaring a State of Emergency on Immunization, expanding outreach services to nomadic and remote communities, and improving community-based surveillance to curb new infections.
He commended frontline health workers, traditional and religious leaders, community volunteers, and the media for their tireless efforts, while urging parents and caregivers to ensure that every child under five receives all recommended vaccines.
“Immunization is safe, free, cost-effective, and the most powerful tool we have. Together, we will keep Kaduna and Nigeria polio-free, today and always,” he said.
Representatives of partner agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, supported the state to mark the occasion.
Others are Rotary International, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), SOLINA, the Sultan Foundation, and CHIGARI Foundation.
WHO State Coordinator, Dr. Abede Mohammed, commended Kaduna’s swift response to recent detections and described the global fight against polio as one of the most ambitious public health efforts in history, noting that the world has achieved a 99% reduction in polio cases since 1988.
Also speaking, Dr. Idris Baba, Health Specialist with UNICEF Kaduna Field Office, emphasized the need for continued awareness and community engagement.
“We have achieved 99% success, but that remaining 1% still poses a threat to the global community. We must not allow it to reverse our gains. Together, we can and will achieve a polio-free world,” he said.
World Polio Day, observed annually on October 24, celebrates the milestones in the global effort to eradicate poliomyelitis and honors the dedication of health workers, volunteers, and partners working tirelessly to ensure a healthier future for all.
