In September, Kano State marked a significant step toward polio eradication with the flag-off of the OBR3 (Outbreak Response) campaign in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area. The event was attended by key stakeholders from the health sector, and the New Incentives–All Babies Are Equal (NI-ABAE) program was proudly represented by our Operations Director, Mubarak Bawa, who joined other development partners in a united effort to combat the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly poliovirus.

The campaign, aimed at strengthening immunization coverage, comes in response to Kano’s alarming rates of zero-dose children and recent outbreaks of diseases such as diphtheria and cholera, according to the State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf. 

In his opening remarks, Kano State Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, who chairs the state's task force for polio eradication, emphasized the government’s commitment to collaborate fully with partners to eliminate polio within the next few months. His assurance set a hopeful tone for the campaign, as local and international stakeholders, including NI-ABAE, reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening Kano’s health infrastructure.

Dr. Yusuf also highlighted Dawakin Kudu’s selection for the flag-off due to its high number of unvaccinated children. He noted that the launch was not just symbolic but a necessary intervention for a local government in dire need of support.

Dr. Pascal Mkanda, Senior Adviser for Africa at the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), echoed this sentiment, praising the state’s leadership but urging a faster release of funds at the local level to ensure campaign logistics run smoothly. He stressed the importance of timely action for transmission control, especially as Kano approaches a critical period of local government elections.

NI-ABAE, alongside other partners, has been actively contributing to improving routine immunization and ensuring vaccine equity in hard-to-reach areas. NI-ABAE’s presence at the OBR3 flag-off reflects our long-standing commitment to collaborating with government agencies in all our operating states to safeguard the health of children in Nigeria.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, in his address, reiterated the government's efforts to maintain Nigeria’s polio-free status, citing the recent rise in circulating poliovirus cases as a cause for concern. The governor said that the success of the campaign relies on public cooperation. He urged the people of Kano to embrace vaccination for the safety of their children.

Also speaking at the event, the Emir of Kano’s representative, Dr. Bashir Muhammad, conveyed the Emir’s call for greater public awareness of the importance of immunization, noting that ignorance remains a major obstacle to achieving full vaccine coverage. He called on development partners in the state to utilize TV and radio stations to raise more awareness of the importance of vaccination. 

We are proud to say that this is something we are already doing as an organization. In 2024 alone, we, along with state primary health care agencies, have appeared in 10 phone-in radio programs to enlighten the public on routine immunization. We also have recurring jingles in Bauchi and Gombe to increase awareness about immunization among caregivers.

As the campaign officially launched, NI-ABAE remains committed to supporting Kano State’s health initiatives. We will continue to work closely with local clinic staff to ensure that all eligible children are vaccinated.