By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that Niger state may experience polio disease outbreak if proactive measures in social and behavioral change were not taken serious.
The UNICEF Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) Specialist, Kaduna Field Office, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed, disclosed this during a one-day media engagement which took place in Minna, the state capital over the weekend.
As many unvaccinated children in parts of the state are particularly exposed to danger of the infection, Dr. Mohammed pointed out as he took time to review polio situation in neighbouring states of; Bauchi, Kebbi, Kwara, Zamfara and Sokoto.
While stressing the urgent need of vaccinating children within the target age groups, Mohammed warned that, “with rising cases in neighbouring states, Niger stands the risk of having polio outbreak if proactive measures to prevent further spread are not taken".
“The increasing number of cases recorded in states bordering Niger poses significant threat to children of certain age bracket in the state, particularly those that are yet to be vaccinated".
Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed, emphasizing the need for preventive measures to check the spread, reminded that, “There is no cure for polio, immunisation remains the most effective way to prevent the disease”.
The agency therefore called on parents and guardians to ensure that their children does not miss the forthcoming polio immunisation campaign scheduled to commence on Sunday 29th March 2026.
Niger State Health Educator, Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Mohammed Usman, had earlier in a remark explained that the immunisation campaign will be across all 25 Local Government Areas of the state.
The programme, according to him will not only help to contain the spread of the disease but guarantee full protection requiring multiple doses of the vaccine.
Mohammed Usman also warned parents and guardians that missed vaccinations could lead to continued transmission or spread of polio virus hence the need to ensure they don't miss the exercise. NNL.
