Bayo Muhammad Alabira, Dutse
Jigawa State government has vaccinated over 2.6 million children against polio across the 27 Local Government Areas of the state,
achieving 117% coverage in the last round of immunization held in March 2026.
This was disclosed on Monday during the workshop organized by the Jigawa State Healthcare Development Agency in collaboration with the United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) held at 3Star Hotel Dutse,
Ashiru Muazu, the Deputy State Immunization Officer, while speaking, described the first round of the exercise as the best so far, noting that at least 60 children were reached per LGA.
Muazu commended the media for its role in public sensitization, stating that “everything is heard from the media” and that information dissemination was key to the success recorded.
Also State Immunization Officer Shehu Ibrahim explained that immunization coverage has fluctuated periodically across the LGAs due to non-compliance by some households.
He, however, confirmed that in general terms the LGAs had vaccinated more than the required number, performing above the target level.
According to him, most of the lapses observed during the exercise were linked to lack of awareness among parents about the importance and schedule of the vaccination.
He said Jigawa state government has reiterated its commitment to sustaining the gains made in the polio eradication campaign and urged parents and caregivers to continue presenting their children for immunization.
However, health officials in the State say continued media support and community engagement will be critical to maintaining high coverage and ensuring that no child is left unvaccinated against polio.
