The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Sokoto State Government have launched an ambitious campaign to vaccinate over one million children against polio, marking a significant step towards eradicating the disease in Nigeria. This initiative comes amidst ongoing challenges posed by insecurity and limited access to certain communities.

The campaign was officially kicked off with an advocacy rally held on Saturday, coinciding with the observance of World Polio Day. The rally commenced at the Specialist Hospital in Sokoto and included a procession through key areas such as Marina and Gobirawa before returning to the hospital. Participants, including government officials, community leaders, health workers, and media representatives, rallied together to encourage parents and caregivers to ensure their children receive the free polio vaccine.

Issa Ibrahim, a UNICEF Social Policy Specialist, emphasized the importance of collective action in combating polio. He stated, "Our expectation is to ensure that no child is left behind and that every child gets access to the vaccine. By the end of this year, we are hoping Nigeria will be a polio-free country." However, he acknowledged the significant obstacles posed by insecurity, which hampers access to some communities, making it challenging for health workers to reach all children.

To tackle these issues, Ibrahim highlighted the necessity of engaging local stakeholders to facilitate vaccination efforts in areas where security concerns restrict access. He noted, "In some communities, it is very difficult for people coming from outside to access them. We can only work with community leaders, media practitioners, health workers, and other stakeholders who understand their immediate environment."

The Sokoto State Government has established an executive committee dedicated to overseeing the vaccination campaign, ensuring its effective implementation. Parents and caregivers were urged to cooperate with vaccination teams, as the vaccine is both free and crucial for protecting children from the debilitating effects of polio.

Umar Gada, the Director of Advocacy, Communication, and Social Mobilization at the Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency, reiterated the importance of sustained government leadership and community engagement in the fight against polio. He pointed out that the activities organized for World Polio Day, which included a youth football match and a friendly match between government officials and development partners, were aimed at raising awareness about polio prevention.

Gada commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his support of the campaign, stating that strong leadership and funding are essential for success. Pius Wamanwa, a UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, also stressed the campaign’s theme, "One Focus, One Day, Ending Polio," which underscores the need for coordinated efforts among government institutions, development partners, and communities.

In addition, Sabiu Gandhi, the State Health Educator at the Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency, mentioned that the government is implementing measures to enhance vaccination monitoring and address any resistance to immunization, all in a bid to improve coverage across communities. The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders are seen as vital to achieving the goal of a polio-free Nigeria by the end of the year.