By Muhammad Ibrahim Sokoto
The Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Balaraba, has called on parents and guardians to accept polio vacination for their children and wards. She made the assertion during the official flag off of the outbreak response polio vaccination campaign at Arkilla in Wamakko local government area of the state.
Dr. Larai Aliyu Tambuwal who represented the Commissioner while inaugurating the commencement of polio vaccination in Wamakko local government said polio is contracted through water, food, dust and other means.
She said Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan are the worst affected nations in terms of polio.
“We target December to end the menace of polio in Wamakko local government and the state in general. The Minister of Health was here some times ago to inspect Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, which are the most affected states in northern Nigeria”.
She appealed to parents to ensure regular participation in the polio vaccination and called on them to ensure their children receive routine immunization of polio, teachers and ulamas also urged to comply with the routine immunization.
Represented by vice chairman of the local government, Abubakar Muhammad Wamakko said they are aware of the existing problems and that indigenous youths should be employed as adhoc workers when employment begins.
Sultan Foundations, Secretary Musa Muhammad Galadanci, explained that taking action before the outbreak of disease is a measure for eradicating the menace and that there is a prevailing disease in air that need immediate actions against the spread of the diseases.
WHO representative Dr. Sanusi Bello and Hajiya Hauwa Buhari who represented UNICEF informed the gathering of the organization’s intent to contribute in any way possible and urged parents to ensure full participation while the exercise is ongoing.