By Muhammad Ibrahim Sokoto
The Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Balaraba, has emphasized the importance of polio vaccination during the official flag-off of the outbreak response polio vaccination campaign in Aekilla, Wamakko Local Government Area.
Represented by Dr. Larai Aliyu Tambuwal, the Commissioner noted that polio is contracted through water, food, dust, and other environmental sources. She stressed that vaccination is vital, adding that one of the primary methods of administration is through oral drops.
“There are no side effects related to pregnancy with this vaccination,” Dr. Tambuwal assured the public.
She also highlighted that Nigeria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan are among the worst-affected countries in terms of polio.
“Our target is to eradicate polio by December in Wamakko Local Government and the state as a whole,” she said, adding that the Minister of Health had previously visited to inspect the campaign in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states, which are the most affected in northern Nigeria.
Dr. Tambuwal urged parents to regularly participate in the polio vaccination campaign and ensure their children receive routine immunizations. Teachers and religious leaders (Ulamas) were also called upon to support the effort by promoting routine immunizations within their communities.
Representing the Wamakko council chairman, Abubakar Muhammad Wamakko expressed the council’s awareness of existing health challenges and emphasized that local residents should be considered for employment in health-related initiatives.
Musa Muhammad Galadanci, Secretary of the Sultan Foundation, stated that proactive measures are crucial in eradicating diseases, urging immediate action against the current health threats.
“House-to-house immunization must ensure that all children are considered,” Galadanci emphasized.
WHO representative Dr. Sanusi Bello affirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting the polio eradication effort, encouraging full participation from parents while the vaccination campaign is ongoing.
Similarly, Hajiya Hauwa Buhari, representing UNICEF, called on parents to provide greater support to eliminate the dangers of polio in the state. “Health is wealth,” she said, assuring that UNICEF will continue to offer support and assistance to the campaign.
