Government Opens Polio Emergency Operations Centre in Katsina

Francis Sardauna in Katsina 

The Federal Government has opened a Polio Emergency Operations Centre in Katsina State, strengthening Nigeria’s efforts to combat polio and enhance emergency response coordination in the health sector.

Inaugurated by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) with support from the Gates Foundation, the centre will serve as a strategic hub for surveillance, rapid response, and vaccination coordination to address public health emergencies.

During the unveiling of the 100‑person capacity centre on Friday, Dr. Shamsuddeen Yahaya, Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Primary Health Care Agency, explained that the facility is part of the government’s strategy to fight polio and other vaccine‑preventable diseases.

He said the expanded centre will improve coordination, data management, and rapid response mechanisms for tackling circulating vaccine‑derived poliovirus (cVDPV).

“For years, this EOC has coordinated house‑to‑house campaigns, tracked every case, and ensured no child is missed. This expansion gives us more space, better data systems, and stronger coordination,” he said.

Yahaya added that the facility will allow health authorities to monitor real‑time data from every ward, deploy vaccination teams quickly to hard‑to‑reach communities, and respond effectively to outbreaks.

He praised President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and commitment to improving healthcare delivery nationwide, noting that progress in the polio fight reflects strong political will at the national level.

He also commended the Katsina State Government, led by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, for investing in primary healthcare and health security across the state.

Yahaya further acknowledged the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and development partners for their sustained commitment and sacrifices, which helped Nigeria reduce wild poliovirus cases from thousands to zero.

“Our work is not done until every child is protected. May this centre guide us to a polio‑free Nigeria and a healthier Katsina State,” he added.