UNICEF Sounds Alarm as Polio Variant Hits 4 Kano Communities

UNICEF Sounds Alarm as Polio Variant Hits 4 Kano Communities
UNICEF warns that a dangerous variant of the polio virus has been detected in four local government areas as children in Kano face a growing health threat.
Rahama Mohammed, Chief of the UNICEF Field Office in Kano, shared the news during a media dialogue on polio and routine immunisation. He said the virus had been found in Warawa, Bunkure, Kano Municipal, and Nasarawa areas during a 2025 surveillance exercise.
“This is unacceptable and must be halted. Polio remains a highly infectious disease that spreads rapidly and knows no borders,” Mr Mohammed warned. His voice reflected deep concern, not just for Kano, but for children across Nigeria.
A single polio case, experts say, can spark a wider outbreak, putting millions of young lives at risk. Mr Mohammed called for urgent, united action to stop the spread. He asked federal and state governments, traditional leaders, and the media to work together to raise awareness and promote full vaccination coverage—especially in communities considered high-risk.
UNICEF has restated its full support for Nigeria’s mission to eliminate polio completely. Mr Mohammed called for the release of counterpart funds on time and stricter monitoring of immunisation campaigns. He said every child deserves protection and that no community should be left behind.
UNICEF Sounds Alarm as Polio Variant Hits 4 Kano Communities
Although Nigeria was declared free of wild polio in 2020, a newer challenge has emerged: vaccine-derived poliovirus. This strain develops in areas with low vaccine coverage. Since the wild polio victory, hundreds of cases of this variant have been reported across the country.
Many children still miss out on vital vaccinations due to insecurity and widespread vaccine hesitancy. For families in conflict-affected or remote communities, the health risks are even higher.
Health experts like Christiana Fashola are urging Nigeria to rethink its vaccination approach. Fashola, a global expert in digital health and immunisation, told PT Health Watch that Nigeria must adapt if it wants to close coverage gaps and protect every child.
She said immunisation plans must fit each community’s needs. “There’s a growing need to expand beyond these traditional strategies by leveraging community-based service delivery models,” she said.
She explained that while mass campaigns, regular outreach, and fixed immunisation days have helped in the past, these tools alone can’t meet today’s challenges. New, smarter ways of delivering vaccines are urgently needed.
In Kano, the government has taken steps to fight the rising threat. Nasiru Mahmud, Director-General of the State Primary Health Care Management Board, said the state is working hard to wipe out polio by the end of 2025.
Mahmud said that during the June 2025 Outbreak Response (OBR) campaign, the state plans to vaccinate 3.9 million children under age five. He confirmed that this campaign follows national efforts to keep Nigeria’s polio-free status intact.
He blamed several factors for the virus’s return, including poor data reporting, insecurity, and resistance from some local communities. These challenges, he said, slowed down past vaccination drives.
One major area of concern is Ungogo, which recorded the highest rate of non-compliance in May 2025. To improve results, the state now ranks local government areas based on their vaccination performance every month.
Mahmud didn’t stop there. He said the government also aims to cut maternal mortality rates, treating both issues as top priorities. He promised stronger partnerships with traditional rulers and all 44 local government chairmen to make progress faster and more sustainable.
Polio may not make headlines every day, but for thousands of families, it remains a daily fear. The virus can cause lifelong disability and even death. That’s why experts say every effort counts—from knocking on doors to setting up mobile clinics.
UNICEF’s warning is more than just a health alert; it’s a wake-up call. Behind the figures are real children with names, families, and dreams. The mission is clear: no child should suffer from a disease the world already knows how to prevent.
To stop this variant and protect Nigeria’s progress, everyone must play a part—government leaders, health workers, community heads, and everyday citizens. The future of millions of children depends on it.
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