The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for intensified efforts to stop polio transmission in Zamfara state.
The agency said the state accounts for 8 of the 18 circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2 (cVPV2) cases reported in Nigeria this year.
UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Dr. Michael Juma, represented by the social policy specialist, Isah Ibrahim, at a media dialogue o in Zamfara weekend, said the integrated campaign would focus on addressing zero-dose children, non-compliance, false finger marking, and ensuring all children receive 2 drops of oral polio vaccine plus a fractional dose of IPV.
“This integrated approach, which combines oral polio and fractional IPV, presents an excellent opportunity to enhance vaccination coverage, strengthen immunity, and increase the likelihood of stopping polio transmission,” he said.
UNICEF added that five states in Nigeria have reported polio cases this fiscal year, they are: Zamfara (8 cVPV2), Sokoto (4), Kebbi (4), Kwara (1), and Bauchi (1), with Kebbi also reporting 2 additional cVPV3 cases and the figures indicate continuous transmission.
The agency noted that according to the recent National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), Penta 3 coverage in Zamfara remains low and the state is among those with the highest number of zero-dose children nationwide.
“Zero-dose children are defined as those who have not received a first dose of the Pentavalent vaccine by age one,” he said.
The April 2026 campaign targets all children across Zamfara’s 14 LGAs, with special attention to zero-dose communities. UNICEF expressed gratitude to the state and local governments, health workers, and traditional and religious leaders for their support in reaching underserved areas.