Kano State is set to begin a massive polio vaccination campaign to protect around 3.6 million children.
The campaign, known as the 2024 OBR4, is scheduled to kick off this Saturday, with a formal flag-off ceremony in Kano.
Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, shared this announcement at a recent committee meeting held at the Africa House in Government House, Kano.
Dr. Labaran serves as the Co-Chair of the State Taskforce Committee on Immunization.
He stated that the meeting was called to inform the public and remind stakeholders of the upcoming polio vaccination drive.
He emphasized the need for adequate preparedness to ensure the campaign’s success.
“This campaign is a crucial step in our fight against polio,” Dr. Labaran said.
“It’s essential for all parents to bring out their children for vaccination, so we can protect them and move closer to eradicating polio from our state and our country.”
Dr. Labaran explained that the campaign requires careful planning and coordination.
He noted that the strategy involves engaging local stakeholders to help encourage public participation and boost the campaign’s outreach.
“Our aim is to reach as many children as possible,” he added. “And for that, we need the active support of every community in Kano.”
The commissioner called on parents and guardians to ensure their eligible children are vaccinated, stressing that achieving this target is a shared responsibility.
According to Dr. Labaran, Kano’s polio vaccination efforts are not just about individual health, but about protecting communities as a whole.
He also announced that awards would be given to the top-performing local government areas (LGAs) in the state.
This, he said, is aimed at motivating LGAs to put in their best efforts to support the campaign.
“We are introducing awards for the best-performing LGAs during this campaign,” Dr. Labaran said.
“This is to recognize and encourage the hard work of those who are dedicated to keeping our children safe.”
The award program will identify the top four LGAs, providing them with trophies as a reward for their commitment and success in the campaign.
Dr. Labaran praised Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his commitment to health services in Kano.
He expressed gratitude for the governor’s support, saying it has been crucial in advancing healthcare in the state.
“We are fortunate to have a governor who deeply cares about the health of our people,” Dr. Labaran said.
“He has been fully supportive of our immunization efforts, and that support has made a significant difference.”
Dr. Labaran also acknowledged the contributions of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Dr. Muhammad Sanusi II.
He highlighted the Emir’s commitment to public health, which includes encouraging district heads to participate actively in health-related initiatives.
The commissioner explained that the involvement of traditional leaders has been essential in reaching more families and communities.
“The Emir has shown outstanding support for the fight against polio,” Dr. Labaran said.
“His encouragement of district heads to get involved has helped us reach people in every corner of Kano.”
Dr. Labaran expressed gratitude to the development partners who have supported Kano’s health initiatives.
He noted that the contributions of these partners have been vital to making the healthcare system in Kano more robust and effective.
“Our development partners have been instrumental in supporting us, both financially and technically,” he said.
“Their efforts have helped us build a stronger healthcare system for Kano.”
Dr. Labaran took the opportunity to congratulate the newly elected local government chairmen in Kano.
He urged them to prioritize polio eradication and other health initiatives in their regions.
He also reminded them of the governor’s blueprint, which emphasizes the importance of healthcare for the people of Kano.
“As local government leaders, it’s essential that you focus on healthcare as a top priority,” Dr. Labaran said.
“We have made great progress, but we still have work to do to ensure every child is protected.”
This polio campaign is part of Kano State’s broader mission to eliminate the disease completely.
The state’s health officials are working with national and international organizations to strengthen immunization efforts and prevent future outbreaks.
Polio, a virus that primarily affects children under the age of five, can cause paralysis and even death.
While Nigeria was declared free from the wild poliovirus in 2020, there have been concerns over vaccine-derived strains.
These strains can spread in areas with low vaccination coverage, making continuous immunization campaigns essential.
Dr. Labaran warned that complacency is not an option in the fight against polio.
He stressed that maintaining high vaccination rates is necessary to keep the disease at bay.
“We cannot afford to relax our efforts now,” he said.
“Polio is still a threat, and we must stay vigilant.”
In recent years, Kano has taken a leading role in Nigeria’s battle against polio, achieving significant immunization milestones.
The state’s health officials and local leaders have conducted multiple vaccination rounds, working to close gaps in coverage and reach every child.
This latest campaign is a continuation of those efforts, designed to ensure that Kano remains free from polio and other preventable diseases.
With just days to go before the campaign launch, health workers are preparing to deploy across the state.
They are set to visit homes, schools, and marketplaces to administer the vaccine to children.
