The Zamfara State Government has confirmed four new cases of poliomyelitis as health authorities intensify efforts to prevent further spread of the disease through a renewed vaccination campaign.
The development was disclosed by Murtala Salaudeen, Incident Manager of the Zamfara State Emergency Operations Centre, during a media briefing on the state’s ongoing fight against polio.
According to Salaudeen, three of the confirmed cases were recorded in Gummi Local Government Area while one case was identified in Tsafe Local Government Area.
The confirmation comes as the state launches a fresh round of immunisation aimed at protecting children from the highly infectious disease. The campaign, which runs from March 7 to March 13, targets approximately 1.4 million children across the state.
Salaudeen said authorities have deployed 1,997 vaccination teams to communities in order to ensure that every eligible child receives the polio vaccine.
He explained that the teams will conduct house-to-house visits, a strategy designed to reach children in remote areas and improve participation in the immunisation exercise.
To further encourage parents and children to take part in the vaccination drive, the teams are also distributing packs of noodles to children who receive the vaccine.
READ ALSO:Â Nigeria Faces New Polio Threat as Mutated Strain Spreads in Eight States
Salaudeen noted that Zamfara recorded 16 cases of polio in 2024 but had no reported cases in 2025, describing the development as an indication that previous intervention measures were beginning to yield positive results.
Despite the progress, he warned that the newly confirmed cases highlight the need for sustained vigilance and continuous immunisation to prevent a resurgence of the disease.
He therefore urged parents and caregivers to cooperate with health workers and ensure their children receive the vaccine during the campaign.
Salaudeen also reassured residents that the polio vaccine is safe, effective and essential for protecting children from the potentially crippling disease.
He called on community leaders, health workers and other stakeholders to support the vaccination campaign to ensure that every child in the state is reached and protected.