Amidst a concerning increase in new cases of circulating variant Polio Virus in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi states, key stakeholders have pledged to collaborate with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) to eliminate the disease this year.
Stakeholders, including Zamfara State Governor Alhaji Dauda Lawal and Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar, made this commitment during renewed advocacy campaigns against polio led by NPHCDA Executive Director Dr. Muyi Aina.
Governor Lawal stated that his administration is actively strengthening the state’s primary healthcare system, preventing financial leakages, and building healthcare personnel capacity to ensure the complete eradication of polio in the three states. He also mentioned his leadership in coordinating a strategic security meeting with the governors of the three states and pledged to use this platform to combat the rising cases of polio.
Sultan Abubakar stressed the crucial role traditional and religious leaders play in the fight against polio, noting their capacity to support the eradication efforts. “We commend the efforts of PHCDA Executive Director Dr. Muyi Aina and the development partners. We offer our full support and believe that with strong backing from state governments and community leaders, we can eliminate polio,” he said.
NPHCDA Executive Director Aina shared that the agency and its development partners have implemented strategic plans, including the enumeration of unvaccinated children, strengthening the primary healthcare system, supporting state governments in providing basic amenities to vaccine-hesitant communities, and running extensive awareness campaigns.
Aina expressed gratitude to Governor Lawal and Sultan Abubakar for their leadership and dedication to eradicating the circulating variant Polio Virus.
