1.5 Million Children on the Line as Jigawa Launches Urgent Drive to Crush Polio
The move to vaccinate over 1.5 million children in Jigawa State has been framed as a critical child protection measure, reinforcing efforts to safeguard young children from preventable diseases such as Polio.
Health authorities say the campaign, scheduled between March 28 and April 2, 2026, is designed to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children under the age of five, who remain the most vulnerable to the virus. The initiative adopts a preventive approach, focusing on early protection to reduce the risk of lifelong disability.
Officials explained that the deployment of house-to-house vaccination teams, fixed posts, and follow-up mop-up activities is intended to ensure wide coverage and inclusion. The strategy aims to reach children in remote or underserved communities who might otherwise be missed, thereby strengthening equitable access to healthcare services.
Stakeholders have also stressed the role of parents and caregivers in ensuring the success of the exercise. According to health officials, community cooperation is central to safeguarding children, as it enables vaccination teams to reach eligible children quickly and efficiently while addressing concerns around vaccine safety.
The campaign is being implemented with support from global health partners, including UNICEF and the World Health Organization, whose involvement is expected to reinforce adherence to international child health and protection standards.
Public health experts note that although Nigeria was declared free of wild poliovirus in 2018, sustained immunisation efforts remain essential to prevent a resurgence. They maintain that continuous vaccination campaigns are not only a health intervention but also a key component of child safeguarding, ensuring that children are protected from avoidable harm.
The Jigawa exercise is therefore seen as part of broader efforts to secure children’s rights to health, safety, and survival across the country.
