UNICEF engages Katsina Journalists in fight against polio
By Maryam Mukhtar
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), through its Kano Field office has Tuesday convened a strategic media engagement at Alhujurat Hotel Katsina as part of its awareness campaigns to eradicate poliomyelitis across the globe.
The engagement brought together Journalists from various media organisations across the state to enhance public awareness and cooperation in the ongoing immunisation.
Speaking at the event, Head of Nutrition at UNICEF Kano Field office and acting Chief of the UNICEF Kano Field Office Dr. Karanveer Singh, highlighted the importance of the upcoming national immunisation round.
According to him, 2025 year’s Polio Immunization Round is scheduled to hold from 24th through 30th April and is targeting every child aged from 0 to 5 years.
“Global Polio eradication can only be achieved if the virus is eliminated from every corner of the earth with emphasis on routine immunization as a way to eliminate the virus”.
He acknowledged the significant milestones achieved in the fight against polio, however, pointed out some challenges, particularly the reluctance of some parents and caregivers to comply with immunization protocols. “The vaccine is safe, effective and essential”, he stated, urging media professionals to play a vital role in building confidence and dispelling misinformation to boost public understanding about the vaccine.
Dr. Karanveer Singh further said, disseminating accurate and impactful messages, collaboration with religious and community leaders, the Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders would help in achieving the desired objective.
Also speaking at the event, Director of the Katsina State Primary Health Care Development Agency Dr. Shamsuddeen Yahaya, said that the State has adopted innovative strategies to ensure eligible children are reached and any health worker found to be negligent or non-compliant will face disciplinary action.
He also highlighted efforts to curb fraudulent practices such as fake finger marking and data falsification. “During this Immunization round, children will be vaccinated publicly in community settings, instead of the usual house-to-house approach.
“To enhance transparency and coverage, over 3,700 independent monitors including retired health professionals, teachers, and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have been deployed across the State”.
He further revealed that Katsina State currently boasts of 1,636 functional health facilities offering routine immunisation services.
According to him, “These centres are well-equipped, with adequate staffing and training provided to ensure quality service delivery”.
He affirmed that the State government under Dikko Umar Radda in collaboration with development partners, have ensured the timely distribution of vaccines from the central cold store to all localities. “Solar-powered refrigeration systems are also in place to maintain vaccine potency”, he noted.
The Director PHCDA emphasised the role of the media in creating public awareness for the success of the campaign. “Lack of awareness is one of the main reasons parents refuse to support immunisation. If people understand its importance, we will be able to reach those who have previously been missed,” he explained.
He further commended the media for their continued efforts in promoting public health and reducing maternal and child mortality in Katsina.
On her part, the State Immunization Officer and GOC Polio Immunization, Hajiya Sahura Muhammad delivered a comprehensive presentation on the status of polio in Katsina.
She outlined the State’s immunization performance, current challenges, and the importance of sustained community engagement and media support to reach every eligible child.
