Zamfara State Launches Ramadan Polio Immunization Campaign Targeting 1.3 Million Children Amid Regional Outbreak

Zamfara State flags off a Ramadan polio immunization campaign for 1.3 million children. Teams will use nOPV vaccines in a house-to-house drive across 14 LGAs.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 9, 2026, 5:36 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Daily Trust

State-Wide Mobilization During Holy Month

The Zamfara State Government has officially flagged off a strategic Ramadan immunization campaign to combat the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases. Launched at the Primary Health Centre in Kwata, Gusau, the initiative represents a critical effort to integrate life-saving healthcare with the social fabric of the Ramadan season. Health Commissioner Nafisa Muhammad Maradun emphasized that the timing of the campaign is intended to leverage community gatherings and the heightened spirit of care during the holy month to ensure maximum coverage for vulnerable infants.

Strategic Deployment of Vaccination Teams

To achieve its ambitious goal of reaching 1.3 million children, the state has deployed 1,997 specialized vaccination teams. These units are organized into house-to-house teams, fixed posts at health centers, and mobile outreach units designed to reach remote settlements. The campaign utilizes the novel oral polio vaccine (nOPV), which is specifically engineered to be more stable and effective in preventing outbreaks. In an effort to encourage participation and support families during the fast, vaccinated children are being provided with noodles, while the vaccination teams themselves are supplied with sugar packs to sustain their energy during their field activities.

Addressing the Kebbi–Sokoto–Zamfara Axis Outbreak

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) have identified the Kebbi–Sokoto–Zamfara axis as a priority zone for intensive intervention. Recent data suggests a localized outbreak that requires a synchronized response across state lines to halt further transmission. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) is providing technical oversight for the campaign, ensuring that cold chain logistics are maintained despite the logistical challenges posed by the region's geography and infrastructure.