Sokoto Governor Launches Comprehensive Polio Immunisation Campaign
Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State officially inaugurated the 2026 Outbreak Response (OBR) campaign against poliovirus on Wednesday, issuing a stern warning to officials regarding the potential misappropriation of immunisation funds. The governor emphasized his administration's unwavering commitment to eradicating poliovirus transmission throughout the state.
Massive Deployment of Health Personnel
To guarantee comprehensive coverage of the immunisation initiative, Governor Aliyu revealed that the state technical team has trained and deployed sufficient personnel across all 244 wards. A total of 2,830 house-to-house teams will systematically visit every household within these wards to administer both nOPV and bOPV vaccines to eligible children.
Vaccination Schedule:
- Children aged 0–59 months will receive nOPV and bOPV vaccines
- Children aged six weeks–59 months will receive fIPV vaccines
- Children aged 0–23 months will also benefit from routine immunisation services
Integrated Healthcare Infrastructure
The governor detailed an extensive network of healthcare workers supporting the campaign:
- 3,151 trained healthcare workers stationed at fixed and temporary posts across the state to administer fIPV vaccine
- 488 special teams equipped to reach transit locations, hard-to-reach areas, and security-challenged communities
- 321 fixed-post teams positioned at hospitals and strategic locations to provide routine immunization services
This integrated approach is specifically designed to ensure effective community outreach and accessible service delivery for all eligible children throughout Sokoto State.
Call for Collaborative Support
Governor Aliyu appealed to local council chairmen and traditional rulers to cooperate fully with vaccinators and officials to ensure the program's success. He directed all state commissioners to oversee and monitor the exercise within their respective jurisdictions. Additionally, the governor urged parents and community leaders to support government efforts to eradicate poliomyelitis while commending development partners for their continued assistance.
Health Sector Progress in Sokoto
Commissioner for Health Dr. Faruk Wurno reported that Sokoto State has achieved steady progress in key health indicators, including improvements in immunization coverage and gradual reductions in child and maternal mortality rates. The state has implemented over 95% of National Council on Health resolutions, positioning Sokoto among Nigeria's best-performing states.
Dr. Wurno praised Governor Aliyu for ensuring transparent utilization of Basic Health Care Provision Funds, which are directly disbursed to Primary Health Care facilities and linked to structured business plans to enhance functionality.
Traditional Leadership Endorsement
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, represented by District Head of Wurno Alhaji Kabiru Chigari, commended the governor for developmental projects across the state, particularly in the health sector. The Sultanate Council reaffirmed its continued support for polio eradication efforts.
Development Partners' Recognition
Goodwill messages from development partners including NPHCDA, WHO, UNICEF, MACKING, SOLINA, CDC, AFENET, and the Sultanate Council Committee on Health acknowledged the state government's commitment to improving healthcare through infrastructure development, provision of medical equipment, and sustained funding of immunization programmes.
In his concluding remarks, Special Adviser on Primary Health Care Development Agency Dr. Muhammad Bello Marnona applauded Governor Aliyu's efforts in strengthening primary healthcare delivery. The event culminated with the governor personally administering oral polio vaccines to children, symbolizing the campaign's official commencement.
