Katsina State renews commitment to polio eradication, immunization
By: Femi Mustapha
The Katsina State Primary Healthcare Agency, in partnership with UNICEF and other development partners, has renewed its determination to eradicate polio and strengthen routine immunization through a two-day engagement meeting attended by top government officials, traditional leaders, and stakeholders.
Declaring the meeting open in Kaduna on 25th July,2025 Katsina State Deputy Governor, Umar Farouk Lawal, who represented Governor Dikko Umar Radda, underscored the administration’s dedication to improving healthcare.
“Healthcare remains a critical pillar of our administration, clearly outlined in our policy document, Building a Healthy Katsina. In the last two years, we have invested well over ₦60 billion in the health sector,” he said.
He also revealed that 260 primary healthcare facilities have been completed under the One Functional PHC per Ward strategy, with additional facilities undergoing revitalization.
Lawal emphasized the government’s commitment to polio eradication, improved immunization coverage, and enhanced access to quality healthcare.
“Together, we can make a lasting difference and ensure that Katsina State is once again certified polio-free,” he said.
Dr. Shamsudeen Yahaya, Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Primary Healthcare Agency, praised the collaborative effort of stakeholders, noting that the near 100 percent attendance at the meeting reflected a collective resolve to eliminate the circulating poliovirus.
“We will continue to work closely with our development partners to safeguard the lives of the people of Katsina State,” he added.
The ALGON Deputy Chairman, speaking on behalf of the 34 Local Government Council chairmen, acknowledged the interventions of UNICEF and WHO in addressing maternal and infant mortality. He also raised concerns about malnutrition, noting Nigeria’s alarming global ranking.
The event culminated in the signing of a Declaration of Commitment to Polio Eradication and the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) by key stakeholders, including the Deputy Governor, the Commissioner of Health, ALGON Chairman, representatives of the Emir of Daura and Katsina Emirate, the Executive Director of NPHCDA, and UNICEF.
The declaration commits Katsina leaders to swift outbreak responses, timely release of counterpart funds, intensified community engagement to combat vaccine hesitancy, and sustained monitoring of zero-dose children. It also emphasizes the need for continuous mobilization of households to ensure no child is left unvaccinated.
“Together, we reaffirm our pledge to safeguard the health of every child in Katsina State by eliminating the poliovirus and ensuring access to life-saving vaccines,” the declaration reads.
