Kaduna State government, in collaboration with its esteemed development partners, has reiterated a firm commitment towards the complete eradication of polio in Nigeria, emphasizing this crucial fight as a shared responsibility. Key partners involved in this monumental effort include UNICEF, Rotary International, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

During a press briefing held shortly after a sensitisation rally to mark the 2025 World Polio Day, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Health, represented by Dr. Hamza Ibrahim Ikara, highlighted the significance of the day. He noted that it serves as a powerful reminder of the remarkable global strides made against polio and underscores the urgent need to sustain these efforts until the disease is entirely vanquished. The theme for this year, 'A Healthier Future for All', resonantly calls upon all stakeholders to embrace their collective duty in safeguarding every child from preventable diseases through vaccination.

Despite Nigeria's certification as wild-polio-free, vigilance remains paramount. Dr. Ikara disclosed that Kaduna State has reported three instances of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus within the last two months, with Giwa Local Government Area registering the most recent case. This situation underscores why events like World Polio Day are indispensable, as they reinvigorate commitment and strengthen resolve in the ongoing battle.

In response to these challenges, the Kaduna State government has proactively declared a state of emergency on immunisation. This declaration aims to significantly enhance coverage, extend outreach to previously hard-to-reach communities, and bolster community-based surveillance systems to facilitate the early detection of potential outbreaks.

Dr. Idris Baba, a UNICEF health specialist, characterized World Polio Day as a vital platform for mobilizing resources, fostering global solidarity, and expressing empathy for polio survivors. He stated, "We have achieved 99 percent success in the eradication journey, but that remaining 1 percent still threatens the global community. As partners, we stand in solidarity with Kaduna State and Nigeria to finish the job. We must not drop the ball now."

Alhaji Aruna Usman, representing Rotary International, recounted his organization's long-standing involvement in the global polio eradication initiative, dating back to 1988. He affirmed that polio eradication continues to be Rotary's flagship humanitarian endeavor. "Today is a great day for Rotary and for Nigeria. Despite being certified polio-free, there are still isolated cases, and we must push ahead to kick polio out of Africa. We call on governments and partners to strengthen routine immunisation, especially in bandit-affected and hard-to-reach areas," he urged.

Dr. Ikara earnestly appealed to parents and caregivers, emphasizing the critical importance of ensuring that all children under the age of five receive every recommended vaccine dose. He also called upon the media to actively counter misinformation and to support public health education initiatives. He stressed, "No child should be disabled by polio. Immunisation is safe, free and remains the most powerful tool to protect our children and our future."

The government reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to maintaining a polio-free state through continuous community engagement and public enlightenment campaigns. All partners collectively underscored that the fight against polio necessitates shared responsibility and unceasing vigilance. They also extended their appreciation to Kaduna residents for their consistent cooperation over the years, encouraging their continued support towards realizing a world entirely free of polio.

The event itself saw a convergence of representatives from UNICEF, Rotary International, the World Health Organization (WHO), and various local health organizations, all united in their pledge to eradicate polio and sustain high immunization coverage across the state. Participants, including inspiring polio survivors and dedicated volunteers, participated in a march, proudly displaying banners adorned with messages of hope and awareness, passionately urging parents to ensure their children receive all routine immunizations. The rally, which commenced at the State Ministry of Health, was vibrant with songs, chants, and the distribution of educational leaflets highlighting the profound importance of vaccination in preventing childhood diseases.