Writing by AMINU DALHATU; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
The Zamfara State Government has declared a state of emergency on polio in Gummi Local Government Area as part of efforts to address the threat of the disease and strengthen immunization activities in the State.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nafisa Muhammad Maradun, announced the declaration during the monthly meeting of the Zamfara State Taskforce Committee on Primary Health Care System held at the Office of the Deputy Governor in Gusau.
In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Zamfara State Ministry of Health, Suleiman Isa, Dr. Maradun explained that the declaration was aimed at intensifying surveillance, improving immunization coverage, and mobilizing communities to prevent the spread of the disease.
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State and Chairman of the State Taskforce Committee on Primary Health Care System, Mani Mallam Mummuni, emphasized the importance of immunization in safeguarding the health of the population, particularly children.
He noted that vaccination remains one of the most cost-effective public health interventions and plays a crucial role in preventing diseases that pose serious threats to communities.
The Deputy Governor also acknowledged the public health challenges facing the state, including maternal and child mortality, malnutrition, and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
Mani Mallam Mummuni further announced the upcoming March Polio Vaccination Campaign, which is expected to target more than 1.3 million eligible children across Zamfara State.
He called on the Commissioner for Health and the Executive Secretary of the Primary Health Care Board to ensure strict monitoring and evaluation to guarantee that vaccines reach the intended beneficiaries.
The Deputy Governor, on behalf of the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, appreciated the commitment of members of the committee and development partners and wished them fruitful deliberations.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Husaini Yakubu Anka, urged Local Government Chairmen to sustain collaboration with health authorities and traditional leaders to ensure the success of the polio vaccination campaign and other primary healthcare programmes in the State.
Also speaking, the State Coordinator of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Raji Mukhtar, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to continue supporting the Zamfara State Government’s efforts to end the polio outbreak, strengthen routine immunization, and tackle other vaccine-preventable diseases.
