Hamisu Ahmadu and Ahmadu Sani had no idea of a law making it compulsory for all children under five years to be vaccinated against polio when they came in their wheelchairs to the Katsina Central Market June 14. But they had a strong message - they didn't want others to become polio victims like them.

The "Yellow Fever and Infectious Diseases (Immunisation) Law Cap 144 Laws of Katsina State: Katsina State of Nigeria Order 1 of 2005," signed by the State Governor, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'adua in April, was originally passed in 1945, listed as a law of Northern Nigeria in 1963 and localized in Katsina in 1988. The order makes polio immunization compulsory for all children under 5 years and prescribes penalties for offenders. According to Dr. Bello Sada, Director, Disease Control and Public Health, became necessary due to the challenges of the state having 111 wild polio virus cases by the end of 2004, the second highest in the country, and non-compliance. He traced the order to an advocacy visit he led to the Emirs of Katsina and Daura, on behalf of the commissioner for health who was acting chairman of the State Social Mobilization Committee. The Emir of Katsina kept his promise to help facilitate the law through the governor, and the order is based on the advice of the Ministry of Justice.

Reactions to the order were mixed among the 18 caregivers, law enforcement agents and victims interviewed in the three local government areas (LGA) of Katsina, Batagarawa and Funtua. Half of them support the order and believe it would enhance the programme. Polio victims like Ahmadu and Sani while expressing their support, betrayed the burden they bear daily as people walked by and the market emptied. The football jersey spotted by Sani was in itself an expression of a desire that will never be fulfilled. Some others said they allow their children to be vaccinated during campaigns but felt a law was not necessary. One of them who preferred to be called Hajia Aisha, a mother, said that government should instead enlighten the public to get their support. Police Corporal Armayau Haruna on duty in Funtua, said he supports the law, and demonstrated his understanding of its provisions by citing them. He admitted knowing that some people do not agree with it. His colleagues also agree with the approach of government and expressed their willingness to play their part.

Dr. Salisu Banye, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, agreed that dialogue is the first option, as the focus is not only on supplementary but routine immunization. With half of those spoken to not being aware of the law, efforts to sustain such dialogue are continuing, in addition to the publicity given to the order by local, national and international media.

The first casualty of the order was however recorded soon after it was signed, when the ward head of Dannabasa Settlement, Shinkafi Village, Katsina LGA, was deposed by the district head for allowing his son to campaign against the programme. The son was handed over to the authorities.