Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has warned parents against refusing polio vaccination for their children, vowing firm action anyone obstructing the ongoing immunisation campaign.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Comrade Abdulsalam Gwarzo, issued the warning on Monday at the flag-off of the first round of the 2025 polio vaccination exercise held in Warawa Local Government Area.
The campaign follows the recent detection of three new polio cases in Warawa, Bunkure, and Nassarawa LGAs, prompting urgent efforts to contain the virus. Governor Yusuf revealed that investigations showed some families were refusing to present their children for immunisation, thereby endangering lives and risking a wider outbreak.
“There is no religious justification for rejecting vaccines,” Yusuf said, citing Islamic countries such as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iran, and Indonesia that have successfully embraced vaccination and eliminated polio.
“This is not about religion—it’s about the love and care you have for your child,” he added.
The governor urged parents across the state to cooperate fully to ensure their children are immunised before the campaign’s deadline in December, stressing the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare and protecting public health.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Labaran Yusuf, highlighted the challenge posed by the influx of immigrants into the state. He assured that mechanisms are in place to ensure that all children, whether born in Kano or recently arrived, are vaccinated and documented.
Also addressing the gathering, the Chief of UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, Mr. Michael Banda, emphasised Kano’s crucial role in the global fight against polio.
“The polio vaccine is safe and effective. It has reduced polio cases by 99.9% since 1988. But the threat remains—just one case can cause a resurgence,” Banda warned.
He reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Kano State in reaching every child and deepening community engagement to ensure the campaign’s success.
The Kano State Government has intensified public awareness campaigns and community outreach as it works with partners to achieve full vaccination coverage and eradicate polio.
Kano govt threatens action against parents refusing polio vaccination
