UNICEF, Kano Govt move to strengthen media management ahead of November polio campaign, Targeting 3.9 million children for immunisation
Kola Oyelere, Kano
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Kano State Government have intensified preparations for the November 2025 Polio Vaccination Campaign, with a renewed call for stronger media engagement to boost public awareness and ensure wide community participation.
Scheduled for 29 November to 2 December 2025, the campaign seeks to vaccinate 3.9 million children aged 0–59 months across all 484 wards in the 44 local government areas of the state.
Speaking during a media engagement session in Kano, the Chief of UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, Rahama Farah, commended the state government and Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) partners for what he described as “remarkable progress” in interrupting the spread of circulating variant polioviruses (cVPV2).
Farah noted that Kano had achieved over 80 per cent reduction in poliovirus cases compared to 2024, dropping from 17 affected LGAs last year to just three confirmed and two pending cases in 2025.
“We are here to engage the media on the forthcoming polio vaccination campaign scheduled to commence on Saturday, 29th November — the last in the year,” he said. “Kano has made substantial progress. With sustained government effort and partner collaboration, the state has achieved more than 80% reduction in cases. This is remarkable.”
Farah emphasised the crucial role of the media, particularly radio stations, in amplifying awareness in remote communities with limited access to electricity and television.
“We need these messages to get across to communities distant from services. In Nigeria, 42 million children will be targeted during this round across 21 priority states,” he added.
Speaking at a sensitization session, the National Primar Development Agency (NPHCDA) Zonal Director for the North West, Dr. Kabiru Muhammed, represented by the Kano State Coordinator, Maryam Umar, said influencers play a critical role in shaping public attitudes toward immunisation.
“Our voices are powerful tools for disseminating information and building the trust required for parents to bring their children for vaccination,” he stated. “This is where your creativity and influence become invaluable.”
Dr. Muhammed acknowledged the state’s progress but warned that pockets of low immunity persist due to misinformation and vaccine hesitancy. He urged influencers to use their platforms to:
Share accurate information on vaccine safety,
Encourage parents to vaccinate their children,
Counter false rumours, and
Promote healthy community behaviours.
“With your support, we can build stronger, healthier communities and ensure that no child is left behind,” he added.
A representative of the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board reaffirmed the state’s readiness for a seamless rollout, appreciating UNICEF and development partners for their continued support.
He disclosed that the campaign would adopt a house-to-house strategy, complemented by fixed vaccination posts at mosques, churches, markets, schools, and health facilities.
“We are targeting almost 3.9 million children between 0 and 59 months. Beyond polio, we will integrate routine immunisation services, including HPV and other antigens,” he said.
He also underscored the media’s strategic role in reducing misinformation and promoting positive behavioural change among caregivers.
With strengthened collaboration among government agencies, UNICEF, influencers, and the media, officials say Kano is well-positioned to consolidate its progress against the poliovirus and protect every eligible child in the state.