The announcement was made in Abuja during a press briefing to mark World Immunisation Week 2026 by HALG Chief Executive Officer, Bartholomew Ochonye. He said the vaccination drive represents one of the most extensive immunisation achievements in the state in recent years, reflecting intensified efforts to close gaps in routine immunisation coverage.
According to him, out of 2,944,391 targeted children, a total of 2,842,434 were reached during the latest campaign—achieving approximately 99 percent coverage across 19,000 settlements, 361 wards, and all 34 local government areas of Katsina State. He described the outcome as a significant step forward in protecting children from preventable diseases.
Strong gains in polio control, but risks remain
Ochonye also highlighted that Katsina State has recorded 11 consecutive months without a new case of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2), a development he described as a major breakthrough in the state’s public health trajectory.
However, he cautioned that progress remains fragile. The World Health Organization has estimated that nearly 20 million children globally missed at least one vaccine dose in 2024, with more than 14 million receiving no vaccines at all—many of them in underserved communities across northern Nigeria.
He stressed that even a single unvaccinated child can sustain transmission of the virus, reinforcing the importance of complete coverage. “Finding, counting, and planning for every child is not preparation for the work—it is the work,” he noted.
Barriers to full immunisation coverage
Despite progress, the campaign faced operational challenges. Insecurity prevented access to 54 settlements in Danmusa Local Government Area during the first phase of vaccination, limiting full reach in some communities.
Vaccine hesitancy also remains an issue, although HALG reported a 40 percent reduction in resistance due to sustained community engagement and awareness efforts. In addition, the organisation identified more than 50,000 zero-dose children across 17 local government areas, underscoring persistent gaps in routine immunisation.
Cold chain infrastructure—critical for preserving vaccine potency—was also identified as an area requiring further strengthening.
Community engagement and data-driven strategy
Ochonye credited the progress to the “Identify, Enumerate and Vaccinate” approach, which has improved planning, tracking, and execution of immunisation campaigns through more reliable community-level data.
He called for continued collaboration between government institutions, development partners, and the private sector to sustain investment in vaccination systems, including logistics, community mobilisation, and cold chain expansion. He also emphasized that rebuilding and maintaining public trust in vaccines remains essential for long-term success.
Sustaining momentum for child health
HALG Technical Director, Paul Umoh, also underscored the need for sustained commitment to immunisation programmes. He noted that the organisation has been active in Katsina State for over two years and continues to support national health authorities in expanding access to primary healthcare services.
Through its community-based initiatives, HALG said it remains focused on improving health equity by reaching underserved populations with essential healthcare, social support, and preventive services.
The organisation reiterated that while recent achievements mark meaningful progress in the fight against polio, sustained effort will be required to ensure no child is left unvaccinated and that eradication goals are fully achieved.