UNICEF Seeks Media Help to Eradicate Polio in Sokoto

UNICEF is actively seeking the support of media personnel to aid in the eradication of polio in Sokoto State. Alhaji Bashar Garba Ilella, a representative from the Sokoto State Primary Health Development Agency, highlighted the urgency for parents and stakeholders to take immediate action to eliminate the remaining polio virus in the state.

A dialogue was organized to mobilize journalists and create awareness about the importance of polio vaccination, aiming to reshape public misconceptions about the disease. The upcoming polio immunization exercise is set to take place from April 16 to April 19, 2026, with a target of vaccinating 1.5 million eligible children.

UNICEF plans to recruit 19,000 ad hoc staff and redeploy 11,200 personnel to ensure effective coverage. Previous exercises conducted during Ramadan reported a 77% coverage rate, with efforts to resolve non-compliance cases through traditional and religious leaders.