Kaduna Begins Polio Vaccination Campaign, Targets 1.5 Million Children Across Nine LGAs

The Kaduna State Government has commenced a fresh polio vaccination campaign targeting between 1.3 million and 1.5 million children under the age of five across nine local government areas.

The immunisation exercise began on Thursday, November 5, 2026, and is expected to run for one week as health authorities intensify efforts to protect children against poliovirus and prevent further transmission within the state.

According to information reported by LEADERSHIP, the campaign will cover 101 wards across the selected local government areas, with vaccination teams expected to visit homes, schools, religious centres, playgrounds, streets and other public locations.

The exercise forms part of the state’s ongoing efforts to strengthen childhood immunisation and prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.

The campaign is particularly important following the detection of mutant poliovirus samples in parts of Kaduna State and concerns over infections recorded in neighbouring states.

Nine Local Government Areas to Benefit

The vaccination campaign will cover nine local government areas across Kaduna State.

The affected areas are Chikun, Igabi, Giwa, Kudan, Makarfi, Ikara, Soba, Sabon Gari and Zaria.

Health officials say vaccination teams have been prepared to reach eligible children in different communities, including areas where access to healthcare facilities may be difficult.

The State Health Education Officer of the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, Isah Yushau, disclosed details of the exercise while speaking about the government’s preparations.

He explained that 101 wards would be covered during the campaign, with vaccination personnel expected to move from one location to another to ensure that as many eligible children as possible receive the vaccine.

According to him, the government has made arrangements to reach children in households, schools, churches, mosques, streets, playgrounds and other places where children are likely to be found.

The approach is designed to reduce the number of children missed during immunisation exercises, particularly those whose parents may not regularly visit health facilities.

Mutant Poliovirus Detection Raises Concern

The campaign comes amid growing concerns about the circulation of mutant poliovirus in parts of northern Nigeria.

Yushau disclosed that two samples of mutant poliovirus had been isolated earlier in 2026 in Soba and Igabi local government areas.

He added that similar detections had also been recorded in some parts of the state towards the end of the previous year.

The development has increased the need for stronger vaccination coverage, particularly among children who have not received all their recommended doses.

Health authorities are concerned that communities with low immunisation coverage could become vulnerable to the spread of poliovirus.

The situation also highlights the importance of continuous disease surveillance and public awareness campaigns to identify potential infections and prevent further transmission.

The Kaduna State Government is therefore seeking to ensure that eligible children receive the required doses of polio vaccines to strengthen their immunity.

Vaccination Teams Deployed Across Communities

The State Primary Health Care Board says adequate preparations have been made ahead of the exercise.

According to Yushau, vaccination personnel have received the necessary training, while sufficient vaccines and other logistical materials have been provided to support the campaign.

The deployment of trained health workers is expected to make it easier for the government to reach communities across the nine targeted local government areas.

Rather than depending entirely on parents to bring their children to hospitals and health centres, vaccination teams will take the services directly to households and public locations.

This method is particularly useful in communities where families may face difficulties accessing healthcare facilities because of distance, transportation costs or other challenges.

The campaign also depends on cooperation from parents, caregivers and community leaders, who are expected to encourage residents to participate.

Health officials have urged families to make eligible children available whenever vaccination teams arrive in their communities.

Why Polio Vaccination Is Important for Children

Polio, also known as poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease that mainly affects children under five.

According to the World Health Organisation, the virus can attack the nervous system and cause permanent paralysis. In severe cases, it can affect the muscles responsible for breathing and lead to death.

The virus spreads mainly through the faecal-oral route, often through contaminated food, water or contact with infected individuals.

Although many infected people may not experience obvious symptoms, they can still contribute to the transmission of the virus.

Some individuals may develop mild symptoms such as fever, tiredness, headache and muscle pain. However, in more serious cases, the disease can cause permanent disability.

There is currently no cure for polio, making vaccination the most effective way to prevent the disease.

Repeated doses of polio vaccines provide protection against infection and help prevent the virus from spreading within communities.

Nigeria was declared free of indigenous wild poliovirus in 2020, marking a major achievement in the country’s public health efforts.

However, circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus remains a concern in some communities.

This type of poliovirus can emerge and spread in areas where vaccination coverage is insufficient, making continued immunisation campaigns necessary.

Other Childhood Vaccines Also Available

Beyond the polio vaccination exercise, Yushau explained that other routine childhood vaccines were available at designated immunisation centres.

These vaccines are intended to protect children against several preventable diseases, including tuberculosis, measles, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and pneumonia.

The availability of these vaccines provides parents with an opportunity to ensure that their children receive broader protection against serious childhood illnesses.

Routine immunisation is particularly important during the early stages of life, when children are more vulnerable to infections.

Health authorities continue to encourage parents to follow the recommended vaccination schedule and visit recognised healthcare facilities whenever their children are due for immunisation.

Parents Urged to Cooperate With Health Workers

The Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board has appealed to parents and caregivers to cooperate with vaccination teams throughout the exercise.

Yushau stressed that protecting children’s health requires collective responsibility from government institutions, healthcare workers, parents and communities.

He encouraged families to ensure that their children receive all recommended vaccines against preventable childhood diseases.

Traditional rulers, religious leaders and community representatives are also expected to play important roles in encouraging participation and addressing concerns about vaccination.

Their involvement could help improve public confidence and ensure that children in different communities are not left behind.

With between 1.3 million and 1.5 million children expected to be reached, the campaign represents a major public health intervention in Kaduna State.

The government hopes that the exercise will improve vaccination coverage across the 101 targeted wards and reduce the risk of further poliovirus transmission.

As the campaign progresses, attention will remain on reaching eligible children in all nine local government areas and ensuring that as few children as possible are missed.

The broader objective is to protect children from preventable diseases, strengthen community immunity and support Nigeria’s continuing efforts to eliminate polio.