In the modest community of Kambaza, Gwandu LGA, Malan Attahiru Aliyu—a 42-year-old father of seven—had long trusted the health system. He ensured his children received routine vaccines and supported every polio campaign. But in 2022, that trust was shaken when his family was excluded from a distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs). Feeling overlooked and unvalued, he turned his back on the system—refusing further Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) doses for his children.

In December 2023, tragedy struck. His youngest daughter, Maryam, only two years old, was diagnosed with cVDPV—a preventable and devastating disease. Even then, Malan’s mistrust held strong. Though he permitted a dose of OPV during the investigation, he continued to deny full vaccination to his other children. His home became a high-risk pocket for transmission.

Enter Hauwa’u Ubale, a local VCM, whose approach was defined by patience and compassion. Rather than confront Malan, she listened. She acknowledged his pain. And with persistence and empathy, she gently shared the facts—reminding him that while mosquito nets could be purchased, protection against polio could only come through vaccination.

Photo: A health worker walks door-to-door in Kebbi State to raise awareness about the importance of routine immunization and polio vaccination. © UNICEF Nigeria