Kano, In Kano State, Nigeria, the recent integrated vaccination campaign that ended last week demonstrated the power of community-led action in advancing public health. From traditional leaders and religious figures to parents, teachers, and youth volunteers, the people of Kano united to protect children against measles, rubella, polio, and other preventable diseases.
The Challenge in Kano
WHO/Ochemba C
Kano, one of Nigeria’s most populous states, has over 17 million residents and an estimated 622,846 children born annually. Despite ongoing efforts, routine immunization coverage remained below optimal levels only about 48% of children aged 12–23 months were fully immunized, according to the 2021 Nigeria MICS survey.
To address this gap, the Kano State Government, in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), World Health Organization (WHO), Gavi, UNICEF, Rotary, Gates Foundation, and other partners, launched an integrated campaign aligned with national health priorities, including the National Strategy for Immunization and PHC System Strengthening (NSIPSS). The campaign reached children in underserved and remote communities with a comprehensive package of health services, spanning thousands of villages and over 19,000 schools. In addition to vaccines, selected communities received malaria prevention and neglected tropical disease (NTD) services.
To address this gap, the Kano State Government, in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), World Health Organization (WHO), Gavi, UNICEF, Rotary, Gates Foundation, and other partners, launched an integrated campaign aligned with national health priorities, including the National Strategy for Immunization and PHC System Strengthening (NSIPSS). The campaign reached children in underserved and remote communities with a comprehensive package of health services, spanning thousands of villages and over 19,000 schools. In addition to vaccines, selected communities received malaria prevention and neglected tropical disease (NTD) services.
Voices from the Community Traditional Leadership in Action
WHO/Ochemba C.
Alhaji Habibu Bello Dankande, Katikan Kano and District Head of Tudun Wada, shared: “We are deeply grateful for the support shown by the Government of Kano State, WHO, and our development partners—Gavi, UNICEF, gates Foundation and others—who made this campaign possible. As traditional leaders, we stood firmly behind this initiative, engaging our communities in the language they understand and encouraging vaccine acceptance.”
Traditional leaders played a pivotal role in influencing behaviour. In a state where vaccine hesitancy and misinformation had previously hindered immunization efforts, their involvement was critical. Of the 9,381 households that initially rejected vaccines, 7,927 were persuaded to comply over 80%—thanks to traditional leaders’ intervention.
Traditional leaders played a pivotal role in influencing behaviour. In a state where vaccine hesitancy and misinformation had previously hindered immunization efforts, their involvement was critical. Of the 9,381 households that initially rejected vaccines, 7,927 were persuaded to comply over 80%—thanks to traditional leaders’ intervention.
Parents Taking Responsibility
WHO/Ochemba C
Mallam Ayuba Usman, a resident of Tura Fulani settlement, brought his daughters for vaccination:
“I want my children to grow up healthy and protected. Diseases like measles and polio can change a child’s life forever. As a father, it’s my duty to secure their future.”
Measles remains one of the leading causes of vaccine-preventable deaths among children under five globally. In Nigeria, outbreaks persist in areas with low coverage. Parents like Mallam Ayuba are helping reverse this trend—one child at a time.
“I want my children to grow up healthy and protected. Diseases like measles and polio can change a child’s life forever. As a father, it’s my duty to secure their future.”
Measles remains one of the leading causes of vaccine-preventable deaths among children under five globally. In Nigeria, outbreaks persist in areas with low coverage. Parents like Mallam Ayuba are helping reverse this trend—one child at a time.
Health Workers on the Frontlines
WHO/Ochemba C,
Hadiza Bello, a healthcare worker in Tura Fulani settlement, reflected:
“Serving in remote communities reminded me why I chose this path—to ensure no child is forgotten. Every family deserves equal protection and opportunity.”
Over 36,000 frontline workers were mobilized across Kano, organized into 3,000 vaccination teams. Their dedication was essential to achieving equitable health outcomes.
“Serving in remote communities reminded me why I chose this path—to ensure no child is forgotten. Every family deserves equal protection and opportunity.”
Over 36,000 frontline workers were mobilized across Kano, organized into 3,000 vaccination teams. Their dedication was essential to achieving equitable health outcomes.
Coordinated Public Health Response
WHO/Ochemba C.
Dr. Abubakar Mayana, WHO Kano Field Office Coordinator, emphasized:
“The campaign’s success reflected policy-driven actions by the state government and strong coordination among partners. WHO led the Strategic Partnership Working Group at the State Emergency Operations Centre, providing technical oversight and data-driven feedback.”
Campaign Achievements
• Over 7.1 million children received the Measles-Rubella vaccine, protecting them from two deadly diseases.
• Nearly 4 million children were vaccinated against polio, helping to keep communities free from polio
• More than 1.4 million children accessed outreach services for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), bringing care to those who need it most.
These results reflect the scale and ambition of the campaign—reaching millions of children in just a few weeks through coordinated, community-driven action.
A Movement Powered by Communities
This integrated health campaign was more than a vaccination drive, it was a movement powered by communities. Through collaboration among health workers, traditional leaders, teachers, and volunteers, thousands of children received protection against life-threatening diseases.
The accompanying images highlight the determination and unity of Kano’s people—working together to secure a healthier future for every child. They remind us that health is a shared responsibility—and together, we can leave no one behind.
“The campaign’s success reflected policy-driven actions by the state government and strong coordination among partners. WHO led the Strategic Partnership Working Group at the State Emergency Operations Centre, providing technical oversight and data-driven feedback.”
Campaign Achievements
• Over 7.1 million children received the Measles-Rubella vaccine, protecting them from two deadly diseases.
• Nearly 4 million children were vaccinated against polio, helping to keep communities free from polio
• More than 1.4 million children accessed outreach services for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), bringing care to those who need it most.
These results reflect the scale and ambition of the campaign—reaching millions of children in just a few weeks through coordinated, community-driven action.
A Movement Powered by Communities
This integrated health campaign was more than a vaccination drive, it was a movement powered by communities. Through collaboration among health workers, traditional leaders, teachers, and volunteers, thousands of children received protection against life-threatening diseases.
The accompanying images highlight the determination and unity of Kano’s people—working together to secure a healthier future for every child. They remind us that health is a shared responsibility—and together, we can leave no one behind.
For Additional Information or to Request Interviews, Please contact:
Hammanyero, Kulchumi Isa
Communications Officer
WHO Nigeria
Email: hammanyerok [at] who.int (hammanyerok[at]who[dot]int)