Nigerian polio vaccinators shot dead in Kano
BBC: 8 February 2013

Extract
“Nine female polio vaccinators have been killed in two shootings at health centres in northern Nigeria, police have told the BBC.

In the first attack in Kano the polio vaccinators were shot dead by gunmen who drove up on a motor tricycle.

Thirty minutes later gunmen targeted a clinic outside Kano city as the vaccinators prepared to start work…

…On Thursday, a controversial Islamic cleric spoke out against the polio vaccination campaign, telling people that new cases of polio were caused by contaminated medicine.

Such opposition is a major reason why Nigeria is one of just three countries where polio is still endemic.

But this is believed to be the first time polio vaccinators have been attacked in the country…

…A health official confirmed to the BBC that those killed in the second attack in Hotoro were female health workers – there were earlier reports that people waiting at the clinic may have been among those shot.

Witnesses in Hotoro told the BBC gunmen also approached the health centre using a motor tricycle…”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21381773

Joint WHO/UNICEF Statement: UNICEF and WHO condemn attacks on healthworkers in Nigeria
UNICEF and The World Health Organization (WHO) join the Government of Nigeria in condemning attacks in Kano state, Nigeria, that have killed and injured healthworkers.

Such attacks are a double tragedy; for the health workers and their families and for the children and vulnerable populations who are robbed of basic life-saving health interventions. These attacks are unacceptable under any circumstance.

WHO and UNICEF extend their deepest sympathy to the families of the healthworkers. We remain committed to supporting the Government of Nigeria and the people of Nigeria in their efforts to better the health and lives of its people.

8 February 2013 http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2013/polio_worker_killings_20130208/en/index.html