By Hussaini Ibrahim
Kano State has recorded 13 consecutive months without a single case of poliovirus, as the government flagged off preparations for the 2026 polio immunisation campaign.
The development was disclosed by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, during the State Task Force Committee meeting on Primary Health Care held at the eHealth Africa Auditorium in Bompai.
This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Ministry of Health, Nabilusi Abubakar K/Na’isa.
Yusuf described the milestone as a major public health achievement, attributing it to sustained government commitment, effective planning and strong collaboration with development partners.
“Kano has recorded 13 consecutive months without a single case of poliovirus. This is a significant milestone and a testament to the collective efforts of the government and our partners,” he said.
The commissioner noted that the achievement comes as the state prepares to commence the first round of the 2026 polio immunisation exercise scheduled for March 28, assuring residents that all necessary measures had been put in place for a successful campaign.
“We are fully prepared for the upcoming immunisation exercise, and all logistics and personnel have been adequately mobilised to ensure its success,” he added.
Development partners, including the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, UNICEF and the World Health Organization, commended the state government for the achievement and urged it to sustain the momentum.
They described the 13-month polio-free record as commendable and called for continued commitment towards the total eradication of the disease.
In his remarks, the Emir of Kano, represented by the Madakin Kano, Alhaji Yusuf Nabahani, urged traditional leaders to intensify community mobilisation efforts to ensure maximum participation in the immunisation exercise.
“All district heads must step up mobilisation efforts to ensure that every eligible child is vaccinated during the campaign,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Sulaiman Sani Wali, applauded development partners for their support and commended Madobi Local Government Area for emerging as the best-performing council in immunisation coverage.
“Madobi has set a commendable example. Other local governments should strive to improve their performance in immunisation coverage,” he said.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board, Prof Salisu Ahmad Ibrahim, highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening primary healthcare delivery across the state.
“We are implementing key reforms to improve access to quality healthcare services, especially at the grassroots level,” he said.
The state government called on residents to support the immunisation campaign by ensuring that eligible children are presented for vaccination.
Health officials emphasised that sustained community participation remains critical to achieving the goal of completely eradicating polio in Kano State and beyond.