From Agaju Madugba, Katsina
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern over what it described as continuous prevalence of polio virus in Katsina State, pledging to collaborate with government to end the scourge.
Speaking on Thursday at the Government House during the signing of UNICEF- Katsina State Multi-Year Workplan 2025-2027, the Chief of UNICEF Field Office Kano, Rahama Rihood Farah, said that efforts must be made to mobilize communities, raise awareness, and ensure that every part of the state is covered in the polio eradication drive.
He said, “As we speak today, polio virus remains a significant threat to children’s health in Katsina State.
“Eradicating polio must be our top priority in 2025. We must dedicate all our efforts and resources to mobilising communities, raising awareness, and ensuring that every corner of Katsina is reached so that parents are encouraged to vaccinate their children.
“The Katsina State government must take the lead at the wards, districtd, and local government levels to address vaccine refusals.
“It is essential to secure the full engagement of LGA chairpersons, community leaders, and religious leaders, holding them accountable for ensuring that every child in Katsina is vaccinated.
“UNICEF urges the government to leverage its resources, explore public-private partnerships, and strengthen community-based initiatives to ensure no child is left behind.
“Today marks a significant milestone as we sign the UNICEF-Katsina State Multi-year Workplan for 2025-2027.
“The plan is a comprehensive framework that will guide our collective efforts in the critical areas of health, nutrition, education, child protection, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and social policy.
“The plan envisions ambitious targets and outcomes for which resources need to be mobilized and the Katsina State government is expected to contribute its share as counterpart funding to achieve and sustain the planned results.”