The Jigawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA) asked media outlets to significantly increase public awareness to counter false rumors and ideas about the polio vaccine.
Dr. Sambo, the PHCDA Executive Secretary, made this request during a media event in Dutse with social and youth influencers.
He noted that while the state’s polio vaccination campaign has been largely successful, minor misunderstandings and rumors persist in some communities.
He explained that despite continuous campaigns, some people still refuse the vaccine due to misconceptions, such as fears that it causes infertility or mental health issues.
Dr. Sambo stressed that years of polio vaccination have shown no such problems.
He appealed to the media to educate the public on the vaccine’s importance to achieve full coverage.
He announced that the Jigawa State Government aims to vaccinate 1,516,244 children under five in the upcoming polio campaign, scheduled from November 29 to December 2, 2025, across the state’s 27 local government areas.
Dr. Sambo mentioned the session was a collaboration between the Jigawa State PHCDA, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
Rahama Rihood M. Farah, Chief of UNICEF Field Office, Kano, emphasized the media’s essential role in boosting child health and supporting polio eradication efforts.
He clarified that Nigeria intends to vaccinate 42 million children in 21 priority states in two phases, running from November 29 to December 9, 2025.
Farah concluded that although Nigeria targets zero polio cases by the end of 2025, continuous alertness is crucial.
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