By: Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The Jigawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (PHCDA) has set a target of over 1.5 million children under five for vaccination in the forthcoming polio immunisation campaign across the state.
Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr. Shehu Sambo, announced this during the Jigawa State Media Dialogue on the November Polio Vaccination Campaign held at Mtown Hotel, Dutse.
According to him, 1,516,244 children are expected to receive polio vaccines across 287 political wards in all 27 local government areas. He added that the exercise will run from 27 to 30 November, using fixed posts and mobile vaccination teams to ensure maximum coverage.
In his remarks, the Chief of UNICEF Kano Field Office, Rahama Rihood M. Farah, said Jigawa has recorded significant progress with a 58% reduction in cVPV2 cases, dropping from 12 in 2024 to five this year.
UNICEF has urged intensified preparedness as the state joins the national vaccination campaign scheduled for 29 November–2 December 2025, targeting 42 million children across 21 states and the FCT. Jigawa alone is expected to contribute more than 1.5 million children to this national figure.
Despite the gains, Farah noted that polio remains a concern, with 72 cases reported in 14 states so far in 2025.
To boost coverage, Jigawa has deployed 3,060 house-to-house teams, 548 special teams, 1,500 trained health workers, and thousands of community mobilisers. Routine immunisation services will also be scaled up during the campaign.
Farah appealed to LGA chairmen to provide strong oversight and urged the media to mobilise parents for full participation. He reaffirmed that polio vaccines are free, safe and effective, calling on all stakeholders to help end polio transmission in Jigawa and across Nigeria.
