United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has tasked Jigawa state government, to declare state of emergency on Polio and Routine Immunization in the state, to sustain efforts on polio eradication.
The Chief of UNICEF field Office Kano, Mr Rahmah Farrah gave the task on at Media Dialogue on Polio and Routine Immunization in Dutse, Jigawa state.
Farrah who was represented by the Health Manager, UNICEF Kano Field Office, Dr Serekeberehan SeyoumDeres, Farah said that, the state must also make a commitment to release State Counterpart funding for polio and routine Immunization.
He also called on Association of Local Government Chairmen in Jigawa State (ALGON), to make similar commitments, by conducting flag-off ceremony of the upcoming polio vaccination campaign and releasing counterpart funding.
“We task all Chairmen to supervise the campaign along with their LGA Councils, as well as participate in pre-implementation evening Review Meetings and engage in non-compliance resolution,”
He appealed to all traditional and religious leaders in the state, to make public commitments and mobilize communities to vaccinate all eligible children and eradicate polio.
Farrah urged the media in the state, to commit to promoting awareness on the importance of polio and routine Immunization to children.
He explained that the media is a critical stakeholder in the Immunization campaign and child rights advocacy in general.
Meanwhile, the Project Manager, State Emergency Routine Immunization Coordination Centre, Mr Shehu Ibrahim, confirmed that there were challenges in Immunization in Jigawa state, yet there has been efforts to resolve them.
According to him, the major challenge is witnessed during the seasonal campaign, due to migration and mass movement of people and children.
“Jigawa state also experiences a serious issue on social mobilization, yet with a combined effort of all stakeholders, the challenge can become history,” Ibrahim said.
Shehu Ibrahim pledged that the state will do its best in releasing its counterpart funding and strengthening mobilization to improve the situation in the state.
Radio Nigeria reports that UNICEF and Jigawa state government convened a media dialogue in Dutse, to engage the media in strengthening polio and routine Immunization services in the state.
COV/USMAN MZ
