From Rashidat Suleiman,Minna
The United Nations Children’s Fund, in collaboration with the Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency, has renewed its appeal to parents and guardians to ensure their children are vaccinated against Polio ahead of a statewide immunisation campaign scheduled to commence on March 29, 2026.
The vaccination exercise will be conducted across all 25 local government areas of Niger State, with the goal of curbing the spread of the virus following a rise in cases reported in neighbouring states.
Speaking during a media briefing in Minna, an SBC Specialist with UNICEF Field Office Kaduna, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed, stressed the urgency of the campaign. He pointed to recent outbreaks in Bauchi State, Kebbi State, Kwara State, Zamfara State and Sokoto State as indicators of the growing threat.
He explained that children under five years old are particularly vulnerable, noting that polio is a highly contagious disease that can result in permanent paralysis or death. According to him, Niger State’s closeness to affected areas increases its risk, especially for children who have not been vaccinated.
“There is no cure for polio, and vaccination remains the only reliable protection,” he said.
Dr Mohammed further noted that multiple doses of the vaccine are required to achieve full immunity, warning that incomplete vaccination could allow the virus to continue spreading.
He therefore urged parents and caregivers to take full advantage of the upcoming campaign to safeguard their children and contribute to the eradication of the disease.
Participants at the meeting also emphasised the critical role of the media and community leaders in encouraging public participation and countering misinformation about immunisation.