Sultan calls for sustained polio immunisation

Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has harped on  the need for sustained massive sensitization campaigns on the need for the parents to allow their children to be fully immunized against polio and other preventable diseases. He reiterated  that the Oral Polio Vaccine( OPV), is safe for children. The royal father spoke at a […]

Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has harped on  the need for sustained massive sensitization campaigns on the need for the parents to allow their children to be fully immunized against polio and other preventable diseases.

He reiterated  that the Oral Polio Vaccine( OPV), is safe for children.

The royal father spoke at a one-day roundtable discussion on Polio Eradication Eradication( PEI),with the media and other professionals.

The Sultan who was represented by the District Head of Hamma’ali,

Bello Abubakar, pointed out the need to ensure routine immunization, adding, "Our children should be fully immunized against the child killer diseases like measles, tetanus and diphtheria, among others.”

He noted that the vaccine had been globally tested by seasoned medical experts and clerics and it was found to be efficacious as well as safe.

Sultan added that immunization protects the children against polio and other child killer diseases.

Head of UNICEF Sokoto Field Office, Mohammed Muhiddeen,  expressed concern that only five per cent of children aged zero to five years were fully immunized in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.

He called on all stakeholders to ensure effective mobilization of the community towards adequate immunization of children.

Executive Secretary State Primary Healthcare Development Agency( SPHCDA),Dr Sani Labaran, assured of   sustained  partnership with all the stakeholders to kick polio out of Nigeria.

Labaran who was represented by Director, Disease Surveillance and Immunization, Dr Aminu Shehu, disclosed that the state has sustained collaborations with the neighbouring Niger republic to ensure the success of the polio immunization campaigns.

He said the forum was organized to explore ways of addressing prevailing challenges in the fight against polio and towards ensuring adequate routine immunization.