Katsina: The Katsina State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHCA) has announced plans to target at least 3 million children in its upcoming polio immunisation campaign, scheduled from April 26 to 29. Dr. Shamsudeen Yahaya, the Executive Secretary of SPHCA, divulged this information during a media dialogue involving UNICEF, Katsina State Government officials, and partners on polio and routine immunisation in Katsina.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the campaign aligns with a global celebration of routine immunisation. Yahaya highlighted the importance of this exercise in raising awareness about immunisation’s role in preventing child mortality. He encouraged the media to continue educating caregivers and stakeholders about immunisation’s significance.
The state boasts 1,636 health facilities that provide routine immunisation services for children. Yahaya also mentioned the government’s plan to deploy 3,700 independent monitors to ensure that every eligible child is reached during the campaign.
Dr. Karanveer Singh, Officer-in-Charge and Nutrition Manager at UNICEF Kano Field Office, emphasised the necessity of immunising every child against polio and other diseases. He warned of polio’s highly infectious nature, noting that infection results in permanent paralysis. Singh reiterated the critical role of immunisation in eradication efforts and urged caregivers and stakeholders to ensure all children under five are fully immunised.