In a bold push to eradicate polio and strengthen primary healthcare, the Katsina State Government has set its sights on vaccinating three million children in an intensive house-to-house immunisation campaign.
Speaking at a mass mobilisation dialogue with journalists, social media youth influencers, and U-reporters, the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Agency, Dr. Shamsudeen Yahaya, announced that the campaign will run from 28 to 31 March 2026, targeting children aged zero to five years, with special focus on infants aged zero to nine months who are most vulnerable.
The initiative, implemented in collaboration with partners including the United Nations Children’s Fund, will see trained health workers moving door-to-door, as well as visiting schools, markets, and hard-to-reach communities to ensure no eligible child is left unvaccinated.
Dr. Yahaya urged parents and caregivers to open their doors to vaccination teams, stressing that the services are free and life-saving.
“Special teams have also been deployed to border areas, markets, and nomadic settlements, while supervisors will monitor the exercise at all levels to guarantee accountability and effectiveness,” he said.
The executive secretary called on media practitioners and social media influencers to go beyond reporting, actively supporting public awareness and mobilisation efforts.
He also highlighted ongoing investments in Katsina’s primary healthcare system, including the upgrade of over 200 health facilities, recruitment of additional health workers, and provision of essential infrastructure like solar power, water supply, and ambulances, aiming to ensure 24-hour access to healthcare across all 34 local government areas.
Beyond polio, the campaign is part of a comprehensive public health approach that includes nutrition services, treatment of minor childhood illnesses, hygiene promotion, and community sensitisation to improve child health outcomes.
With strong political will and partner support, Dr. Yahaya expressed confidence that the campaign will significantly reduce the risk of polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases in the state, safeguarding the health of Katsina’s youngest residents.
Three million children. Four days. One life-saving mission. Katsina is taking health to the doorstep.
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