Katsina Times
Katsina State, in collaboration with UNICEF and other health partners, has intensified preparations for the October 2025 Integrated Polio and Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign aimed at protecting millions of children across the state.
Speaking at a media dialogue held on 23 September 2025 at Katsina Guest Inn, the Chief of UNICEF Field Office Kano, Mr. Rahama R.M. Farah, emphasized the crucial role of the media in ensuring the success of the campaign.
“We want all children to have access to immunization. This can only happen if communities are aware of the vaccines, their safety, and their importance,” Farah said.
According to UNICEF, Katsina has received over 3.6 million doses of the novel oral polio vaccine (nOPV2) to target 2.3 million children under five years old. In addition, 4.8 million children aged 9 to 14 years are expected to be immunized against measles and rubella during the campaign scheduled for 4–13 October 2025.
More than 2,253 vaccination teams, each comprising 11 members, will be deployed across the state using both fixed and mobile strategies. To ensure full coverage, 200 non-compliance resolution teams comprising traditional leaders, community leaders, and vaccinators will also work in real time to resolve cases of resistance.
Katsina State will further mobilize 5,584 health teams, including 3,761 house-to-house teams, 993 transit-point teams, and 830 fixed-post teams. UNICEF has already supported the training of over 3,300 health workers and 600 supervisors to strengthen community engagement.
Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Shamsuddeen Yahya, described the campaign as “three or four in one,” combining polio vaccination with measles and rubella immunization.
“For the first time, Katsina will introduce the rubella vaccine alongside measles. This is crucial given the devastating impact of both diseases on children. Our target is to reach children aged nine months to 14 years within 10 days,” Dr. Yahya explained.
He highlighted the importance of countering misinformation, recalling how rumours during COVID-19 and HPV vaccine introductions fueled resistance. “This media dialogue will help spread the correct information and build trust among parents and caregivers,” he added.
Traditional and religious leaders, local government chairmen, and legislators have already pledged their support for the campaign, with commitments to provide security for vaccination teams in insecure areas.
While acknowledging progress in reducing polio cases from 17 cases in 2024 to just two in 2025 UNICEF stressed that sustained effort is required to completely halt the circulation of the virus.
The integrated campaign is expected to cover every local government area in Katsina and contribute to Nigeria’s nationwide vaccination efforts.
