Despite years of mass immunisation campaigns and growing awareness, polio vaccine rejection however remains a troubling concern among some fathers in Bauchi State.
But, the United Nations Children Fund, UNICEF, is actively addressing polio vaccine myths to improve immunization coverage and reduce the number of “zero-dose” children in Bauchi State, Nigeria.
This effort includes strengthening community outreach.
Speaking in an interview with journalists in Katagum, Salisu Haruna, a father of 28, one of the skeptics of the polio vaccination said for four years, he refused to allow his children to be vaccinated, fearing the vaccine could cause infertility or harm. But after repeated engagement by health workers, he changed his mind—and now champions the campaign.
“I used to think the vaccine would harm my children,” Haruna admitted. “But since they got it, they’ve been stronger. I now tell other fathers to support it.”
Still, not everyone has followed suit. In Itas-Gadau, 27-year-old Bashir Ahmed refused to vaccinate his two children, citing his upbringing and doubts fueled by lack of religious approval.
He later allowed the vaccination after persistent advocacy from health officials and support from the United Nations Children Funds, UNICEF—but remains undecided about future doses.
In another case, a father permitted only three out of four of his children to be vaccinated. Health workers had to return several times to persuade him to vaccinate the last child.
In an interview with journalists in Katagum local government area, UNICEF Health Specialist, Dr. David Audu, said the turn out for polio vaccination has been positive, adding that there was only resistance in a few places.
He, however, said the resistance is slowly giving way to acceptance.
According to him, UNICEF is supporting a network of local advocates, including Village Community Mobilizers (VCMs) and members of the Front-line Family Health Groups (FFGH), to engage directly with communities.
“These advocates play a crucial role in raising awareness and addressing concerns within their local areas.” he said
The campaigns are designed to reach every caregiver and child, ensuring that they understand the benefits of vaccination.”
Speaking also in an interval with journalists in the Nasarawa community in Itas Gadau Local Government, a village head, Bano Usamatu said his community in Nasarawa no longer battles vaccine rejection.
“The era of rejection is gone. We want to save the future of our children,” he told our correspondent, crediting UNICEF and the state government for their support.
Meanwhile, UNICEF recently reported a milestone in Azare LGA, where 51 Quranic schools and 95 churches participated in the latest round of vaccinations. Of 842 non-compliant households, 503 were successfully engaged in just two days.
The agency remains focused on reaching children in high-risk, zero-dose communities and continues to partner with civil society groups to build trust and awareness.