Katsina State has recorded two cases of circulating variant polio virus in 2025, a significant decline from the 17 cases reported across eight local government areas in 2024.
The announcement was made during a media dialogue and mobilisation event ahead of the October 2025 integrated Polio Vaccination Campaign in Katsina. Rahama Rihood Muhammed, UNICEF Chief Kano Field Officer, described the reduction as remarkable progress, while emphasizing the need for continued efforts to completely eradicate the virus.
Muhammed revealed that the state will launch a large-scale vaccination exercise from October 4 to 13, combining polio immunization with measles-rubella vaccinations. Over 3.6 million doses of the novel oral polio vaccine (NOPV2) have been allocated to reach 2.3 million children under five, while 4.8 million children aged 9–14 will be immunized against measles and rubella.
The campaign will deploy 2,253 vaccination teams operating across fixed and temporary posts. Additionally, 5,584 routine immunization teams—including 3,761 conducting house-to-house visits, 993 covering transit points, and 830 stationed at fixed sites—will work between October 4 and 8 to ensure full coverage.
Muhammed noted that UNICEF has trained 3,300 health workers in enhanced communication skills and prepared 600 members of non-compliance resolution teams to address vaccine hesitancy in real time.
He also highlighted the role of 200 special teams composed of community and traditional leaders, as well as vaccinators, who will be on standby throughout the campaign.
The UNICEF official urged the Katsina State government and relevant stakeholders to mobilize adequate resources and support to achieve zero polio cases in the state.
