Katsina Declares Total Commitment to Polio Eradication, Routine Immunization

By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna 

In a bold move to eliminate the lingering threat of polio and boost routine immunization, the Katsina State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and other development partners, has renewed its commitment to making the state polio-free.

The two-day high-level engagement held in Kaduna brought together political leaders, local government chairmen, health secretaries, traditional rulers, and development partners. 

The event was chaired by Deputy Governor Umar Farouk Lawal, who represented Governor Dikko Umar Radda, and culminated in the signing of a Declaration of Commitment to Polio Eradication and the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).

In his opening remarks, the Deputy Governor underscored the importance of the meeting, noting that the state government had effectively set aside other administrative engagements to prioritize the fight against polio. He revealed that Katsina has invested over ₦60 billion in the healthcare sector over the past two years.

“Our administration’s policy, ‘Building a Healthy Katsina,’ has guided massive investments in primary healthcare. 

“We have completed 260 healthcare facilities, upgraded infrastructure, and established state-of-the-art dialysis and imaging centers to improve diagnosis and treatment. 

This meeting demonstrates our unwavering commitment to eradicating polio and improving healthcare outcomes across the state,” Lawal said.

He urged LGA leaders, district heads, and community influencers to take ownership of polio campaigns, champion routine immunization, and engage their communities actively. 

“Together, we can ensure that Katsina State is once again certified polio-free,” he declared.

Dr. Shamsudeen Yahaya, Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Primary Healthcare Agency, reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to eradicating the circulating poliovirus. 

“The near 100 percent attendance at this meeting is proof of our collective readiness and determination,” Yahaya said. “Insha’Allah, we will continue to work closely with our partners to safeguard the health of our people.”

Katsina ALGON Deputy Chairman, Rabo Tambaya stressed the importance of tackling maternal and infant mortality while applauding UNICEF and WHO’s interventions. 

He noted that malnutrition remains a major obstacle to progress. “Nigeria’s alarming malnutrition statistics call for urgent action. Only when our children are healthy and well-nourished can we effectively fight polio,” he said.

Mr. Mohammed Farah, Chief of UNICEF Kano Field Office, praised Katsina’s leadership and urged all stakeholders to intensify efforts in reaching underserved and nomadic communities. 

“We are now in the final stretch. We cannot afford to miss a single child.

“UNICEF remains committed to supporting innovative strategies that will make Katsina and Nigeria polio-free,” Farah said.

The meeting adopted a comprehensive Declaration of Commitment to Polio Eradication and EPI.

Participants resolved to ensure swift outbreak responses by convening emergency council meetings within 72 hours of any confirmed case, to release counterpart funds for immunization campaigns promptly.

And to engage communities aggressively to address vaccine hesitancy and achieve a 90 percent resolution of non-compliance cases within a quarter. 

The declaration also emphasized the need to strengthen LGA task force committees to track zero-dose children, ensure the active leadership of local government officials in campaign flag-offs, and mobilize households to ensure no child is missed.

The document was endorsed by the Deputy Governor, Commissioner of Health, ALGON Chairman (on behalf of all 34 LGA Chairmen of Katsina State), Emir of Daura, Katsina Emirate Council, NPHCDA and UNICEF (on behalf of all partners of the Expanded Polio Eradication Initiative and EPI), reaffirming a unified commitment to wipe out polio and ensure every child in Katsina receives life-saving vaccines.

“This is not just a commitment on paper. It is a pledge to act with urgency, dedication, and collective resolve to secure a healthier future for every child in Katsina,” Lawal stressed.