UNICEF launches #NoMoreZeroDose immunization song in Kano
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, UNICEF, in collaboration with Radio Kano, has launched the #NoMoreZeroDose Immunization Song.
The song was launched on Thursday coinciding with the Annual World Polio Day.
Mr. Rahama Rihood Farah Mohammed, Chief of UNICEF Field Office, Kano, emphasized the significance of the launch.
“Immunization remains the most cost-effective intervention to confront vaccine-preventable diseases, especially in children under five years of age.”
He highlighted the song’s regional impact, noting that the song aligns with UNICEF’s broader commitment across West and Central Africa, where multiple outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like polio, diphtheria, and measles persist.
The song, featuring prominent Nigerian and African stars such as Cobhams, WAJE, Timi Dakolo, Omawumi, Ali Nuhu, and Stanley Enow, Spyro aims to inspire stronger efforts to immunize children and prevent further outbreaks.
Despite Nigeria’s progress, Mr. Mohammed expressed concern over the large number of zero-dose children—those who have never received a single vaccine.
“In Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states, we have over half a million zero-dose children, with 280,281 in Kano alone. Nationally, two million children are yet to receive any vaccination,” he said.
Mr. Mohammed reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to collaborating with government and partners to ensure children’s well-being. “The health and well-being of a society rests on investing in its future generations.
He called on stakeholders, including government officials, religious leaders, influencers, and the media, to spread the song’s message widely.
“The message of ensuring that all children get vaccinated must reach everyone. #NoMoreZeroDose!” he urged.
Sheriff Yahaya, speaking on behalf of the Kano State commissioner for health, Abubakar Labaran Yusuf revealed that, “Today is not only a declaration but rather a way of reminding ourselves of our past achievement and what we gearing for and a powerful reminder that the fight against the end of polio is an ongoing process.
“Kano remains polio-free, but the recent outbreak of variant polio viruses in some LGAs reminds us that our fight is not over. We must intensify vaccination campaigns and engage communities to reach every child, no matter where they are,” he stated.
He reiterated the state’s commitment to intensify the fight against polio and immunization in general.
“With support from His Excellency the Executive Governor of Kano State, and our dedicated partners UNICEF, WHO and all other partners, we are determined together to attend and strengthen our efforts in the state.
Rilwan Idris Malikawan Garu, representing the Managing Director of Radio Kano, Comrade Abubakar Adamu Rano explained the role of media in achieving immunization goals.
“Radio Kano is proud to partner with UNICEF in spreading awareness on the importance of vaccination which also includes ways to eradicate polio.
“We urge other media organizations to join in amplifying health programs,” he said.
Participants, including media practitioners, poets, Kannywood celebrities, musicians, and social media influencers, were drawn from various sectors across Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and Kaduna states, Prime Time News has gathered.
