The United Nations Children's Fund has launched a campaign to vaccinate 1.5 million children in Jigawa State against polio. The effort is part of a nationwide immunisation exercise that begins on March 28, 2026. UNICEF has been working closely with the Jigawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency to mobilise support for the campaign.
The agency has organised a mass mobilisation dialogue with journalists and social media influencers to promote polio vaccination and address misconceptions about the vaccine. UNICEF's Jigawa State Team Leader, Mr Jibril Shu'aibu, has called on the media to play a crucial role in disseminating accurate information about polio vaccination. He urged stakeholders to work together to ensure that every child in the state is protected against polio.
The World Health Organisation has also provided an update on the polio situation in Nigeria. Although the country was declared polio-free in August 2018, efforts are ongoing to eliminate the remnants of the virus. The WHO Cluster Consultant, Dr Sabiu Muhd, has warned that complacency could lead to the resurgence of polio.
The recent call by UNICEF for stakeholders to work together to eradicate polio in Jigawa State highlights the ongoing efforts to protect Nigerian children from vaccine-preventable diseases. Mr Jibril Shu'aibu's emphasis on the crucial role of the media in disseminating accurate information about polio vaccination is a timely reminder of the importance of credible sources in public health campaigns. The nationwide immunisation exercise targeting 42 million children across 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory is a significant undertaking that requires the cooperation of all stakeholders. As the country works to eliminate the remnants of the polio virus, it is essential that the government and health agencies continue to provide support and resources for these efforts. The success of this campaign will have a direct impact on the health and well-being of Nigerian children.
