Katsina, UNICEF renew commitment to eradicate polio, childhood killer diseases
By Zubairu Idris
The Katsina State Government and UNICEF have renewed commitment to the fight against childhood killer diseases, including polio.
They said no child will be left behind or allowed to die of diseases that are preventable.
The commitment was made by the Wife of the state governor, Hajiya Zulaihat Dikko-Radda, and the UNICEF Chief of Kano Field Office, Mr Rahama Mohammed-Farah, during a ceremony to commemorate the 2025 World Polio Day, on Friday in Katsina.
The governor’s wife charged mothers and caregivers to always take their children to health centers for vaccination so as to build their immunity and safeguard their future.
“Let’s renew our promise that no child will be left behind, no life will be lost to preventable diseases, and that the dream of Polio Free World will be a reality,” she emphasised.
Mrs Radda said that the barrier that should be surmounted in the state is not the absence of vaccines or healthcare workers, but “vaccine resistance resulting from misinformation and fear which continue to endanger the health of our children”.
She also said concerted efforts must be made to address the new challenge posed by the circulating Variant Polio Virus type 2 (cVPV2).
“It is silent, but dangerous,” she said, adding however that vaccines have been carefully formulated that are safe and remain the powerful weapon against diseases like polio.
In a remark, Mohammed-Farah said that polio eradication was within reach, but success depends on collaborative efforts to sustain the resolve.
The UNICEF Chief of Kano Field Office was represented by Child Protection Specialist, Ms Fatima Adamu.
He said that the number of polio cases has dropped significantly in Katsina State from 17 in eight LGAs in 2024, to two in Danmusa LGA in 2025.
“The fight is not yet over, polio has no cure, but is preventable. With safe vaccines, no child should suffer from a disease that is preventable.
“Our immunisation campaign must reach every child. Vaccines remain the strongest weapons against paralysis and death.
“Children deserved a polio free future, we can make it the second human disease ever eradicated and protect children of generations to come. We’ve come too far to turn back. Let’s finish the job – and make polio history,” he added.
He therefore urged wives of local governments chairmen to intensify the sensitisation of mothers and caregivers on the need to get eligible children under their care vaccinated.
