The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged traditional leaders in Gombe State to take stronger action against persistent resistance to polio vaccination. Despite Nigeria being declared free of wild poliovirus in 2020, vaccine-derived strains still threaten children in several communities.
UNICEF raised the concern during the launch of the 2025 National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) campaign in Kuri, Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area. Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, represented by Health Officer Oluseyi Olosunde, revealed that the number of unvaccinated children in Gombe remains alarmingly high. Four of the state’s 11 LGAs—Dukku, Kwami, Funakaye, and Yamaltu Deba—are listed among the top 100 nationwide still facing active polio transmission risks.
According to UNICEF, the main hurdle is parental refusal to allow their children to receive the polio vaccine. Dr. Rafique appealed to traditional rulers to play a leading role in addressing this issue, noting that they hold influence capable of shifting community attitudes. She stressed the importance of eliminating rejection, stating, “Nigeria has only this year left to end polio entirely.”
She explained that while wild poliovirus has been eliminated from the country, a variant known as the circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus still poses a significant health risk. Misinformation and distrust continue to fuel rejection of immunization in some areas.
UNICEF believes the support of traditional leaders can reverse this trend. Past campaigns in other regions have seen increased acceptance when local leaders helped spread accurate information and addressed concerns directly with their communities.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ya’u Kashere, Chairman of the Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency Board, applauded the state government for strengthening healthcare access. He called on residents to take part in the vaccination effort, stressing that immunization is key to preventing the return of deadly diseases.
The state governor, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, represented by his deputy, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to public health. He encouraged families to utilize the free medical services available during the campaign and highlighted the goal of building strong herd immunity in children under five.
