Traditional Rulers Key To Polio Eradication Efforts In Bauchi – Says UNICEF

By Sani Adamu Hassan

As Bauchi State continues observing the 2025 nationwide Polio Vaccination Campaign, which was flagged off on April 24, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended the efforts of traditional institutions toward monitoring and supervising the exercise to ensure total compliance.

The Chief of the Bauchi Field Office of UNICEF, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, stated this in Darazo when she led a UNICEF team, Health Educators, Vaccinators, Village Community Mobilizers (VCM), as well as Fathers for Good Health, to monitor the level of compliance in the House-to-House Campaign in Darazo Local Government Area.

Dr. Nuzhat Rafique revealed that the efforts made by the Emir of Dass and his counterpart, the Emir of Ningi, have yielded positive results. She pledged to seek more support from other traditional institutions toward dedicating themselves to going around their communities to ensure that no child is left behind during the exercise.

The UNICEF Chief added that the team was in Darazo to engage with non-compliant and resistant fathers who do not allow their children to be vaccinated, stating that nine LGAs are at high risk of Zero Doses in the state.

Dr. Nuzhat further mentioned that 2025 will be the last year for external support against Polio, expressing hope that no child will be left behind during the exercise.

The UNICEF Chief also visited the District Head’s Palace in Darazo, where she emphasized the role of traditional leaders in convincing their people about the benefits of the vaccines.

Responding, the District Head of Darazo, Alhaji Ibrahim Babayo, pledged his determination to support policies and programs aimed at improving the health status of his citizens. He emphasized his commitment to summon all non-compliant and resistant fathers to engage them in discussions aimed at finding lasting solutions and eliminating misconceptions about the vaccines.

Reports indicate that the campaign targets over 2.5 million children across the twenty LGAs, including more than 500,000 ‘Zero Dose’ children who have never received any form of vaccination.