Efforts to protect children from polio are gaining fresh momentum in Sokoto State as health authorities and development partners intensify preparations for the March 2026 immunization campaign.
The he Sokoto State government in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), organized a Direct Observation of Polio Vaccination (DOPV) exercise across eight metropolitan local government areas.
The initiative, conducted from March 5 to 6, forms part of pre-campaign activities designed to strengthen supervision, ensure adherence to vaccination protocols, and enhance the quality of service delivery ahead of the statewide immunization round.
One of the outreach activities took place in Makera Assada, a community in Sokoto North Local Government Area. There, health workers and immunization teams engaged parents and caregivers in discussions on the importance of protecting children against polio.
During the outreach, eligible children received the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) under the widely adopted “no child left behind” strategy, which targets children who may have missed previous immunization rounds.
The event also incorporated community engagement activities designed to draw attention and encourage participation. Children took part in singing and dancing sessions, creating an atmosphere that blended health awareness with entertainment.
Adding to the excitement was the performance of popular Hausa artist Moda, who used music and storytelling to emphasize the importance of the Oral Polio Vaccine in safeguarding the health and future of children.
Health officials say such community-centered approaches help build trust and strengthen public awareness about the importance of routine immunization, particularly in communities where vaccine acceptance can determine the success of disease prevention campaigns.
The statewide house-to-house polio vaccination campaign is scheduled to begin on Saturday, when immunization teams will move through communities across Sokoto State to reach every eligible child under the age of five.
Parents and caregivers have therefore been encouraged to cooperate fully with vaccination teams and ensure that their children receive the vaccine when health workers visit their homes.
The March 2026 immunization round is part of ongoing efforts by the Sokoto State Government and its partners to sustain progress toward a polio-free future and protect the health of the next generation.
