The Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Muhammad Hamim Nuhu Sanusi, has firmly dismissed misconceptions suggesting that polio vaccines are designed to prevent women from giving birth.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking at the launch of a polio immunization campaign in Jiba village, Dutse Local Government Area, organized by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with the Jigawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (PHCDA), the Emir assured residents that the vaccine is safe and beneficial.

Addressing the Jiba community, which has historically resisted vaccination efforts, the monarch stressed that immunization poses no health risks.

“I want to draw your attention to the ongoing polio immunization. It is free from any harm. We will never endorse anything that would endanger you or your children,” he said.

Citing personal examples, the Emir added, “My father, the late Emir Muhammad Sanusi, immunized all his children and grandchildren to show the importance of vaccination. Claims that the vaccine prevents childbirth are false; in fact, vaccinated women are healthier and more likely to have more children.”

Also speaking at the event, Dr. Hassan Shuaibu Kwalam, Director of the Jigawa State PHCDA, emphasized the urgency of the campaign, which aims to eradicate the polio virus in the state and across Nigeria.

Dr. Kwalam recalled that Nigeria was certified polio-free in 2013 but noted that new cases are still being reported due to gaps in routine immunization.

“Our goal is to boost population immunity and reach as many children as possible. We are targeting two million children under the age of five by the end of this month,” he said.

Representing UNICEF, Dr. Lukman highlighted that over three billion people have been immunized against polio worldwide since 1988, significantly reducing the disease’s spread. However, he warned that vaccination lapses continue to fuel outbreaks, including in Nigeria.

“In 2025 alone, 18 cases were reported across 18 local government areas in nine states, including Jigawa, where two cases were recorded in Hadejia and Sule Tankarkar LGAs. This is unacceptable and must be urgently addressed,” he stressed.

The Emir, health authorities, and UNICEF all called on residents to cooperate fully with immunization teams to protect their children and communities.