Parents should not refuse their children’s polio vaccines, according to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who has threatened to take strong action against anyone who tries to impede the current vaccination drive.
During Monday’s flag-off of the first round of the 2025 polio vaccination exercise in Warawa Local Government Area, the governor, through his deputy, Comrade Abdulsalam Gwarzo, made the warning public.
The three new polio cases detected recently in Warawa, Bunkure, and Nassarawa LGAs prompted immediate attempts to contain the virus, which is why the campaign is underway. The governor, Yusuf, made the announcement after investigations revealed that some families were avoiding vaccines and putting their children in danger.
According to Yusuf, there is no theological basis for refusing vaccines. He made this claim while referencing Islamic nations like Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, all of which have effectively implemented immunization programs and eradicated polio. The love and care you have for your child is what matters most, not religion, he stressed.
The governor emphasized the government’s dedication to bolstering healthcare and protecting public health, and he urged parents across the state to work together completely to vaccinate their children before the campaign’s December deadline.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Labaran Yusuf, highlighted the problem created by the surge of immigrants into the state. Whether they were born in Kano or just arrived, he promised that measures would be taken to record and vaccinate every child.
Mr. Michael Banda, Chief of UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, also spoke at the event and highlighted the importance of Kano in the worldwide battle against polio.
The polio vaccine has been proven to be both safe and efficacious. Since its introduction in 1988, it has caused a 99.9 percent drop in polio cases. Banda cautioned that the danger is still there and that a single incident may spark a comeback.
To make sure the campaign is a success, he reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to helping Kano State reach every child and increase community involvement.
In its joint efforts with other organizations, the government of Kano State has stepped up its public awareness programs and community engagement in an effort to fulfill its goal of polio eradication through 100% vaccination coverage.