No Room for Vaccine Refusal, Kano Govt Tells Parents

The Kano State Government has warned parents against refusing polio vaccines for their children, stating that it will take action against anyone who obstructs the ongoing immunisation campaign.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by his deputy, Comrade Abdulsalam Gwarzo, gave the warning on Monday while launching the first round of the 2025 polio vaccination exercise in Warawa Local Government Area.

The warning follows three new cases of polio recently discovered in Warawa, Bunkure, and Nassarawa local councils. Investigations revealed that some families were still refusing to allow their children to be vaccinated.

“There is no religious basis for rejecting vaccines,” Yusuf said, pointing out that Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iran, and Indonesia have embraced immunisation and eliminated polio.

“This is not a religious matter; it’s about protecting your child and showing love and responsibility,” he added.

Governor Yusuf urged parents and caregivers to ensure their children are vaccinated before the campaign ends in December.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Labaran Yusuf, noted the challenge of an influx of immigrants into Kano. He said measures have been put in place to vaccinate and document every child, whether they are Kano-born or newcomers.

The Chief of UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, Mr. Michael Banda, also spoke at the event.

“The polio vaccine is safe, effective, and has helped reduce polio cases by 99.9% since 1988. But just one case can trigger a fresh outbreak,” Banda warned.

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