Two point eight million children have been targeted during the Integrated Polio, Measles, Rubella, and HPV immunisation exercise in Sokoto state.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto made this known at the flag-off of the programme held in Bodinga town, Bodinga Local Government Area.
This contained in a statement issued to newsmen by the Director press affairs Deputy Governor’s office, Garba Muhammed, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu stated that the exercise will cover all 244 wards across the state.
He therefore called on community and religious leaders, as well as development partners and stakeholders, to actively support the exercise by mobilising and ensuring that all eligible children receive the required vaccines.
According to him, the vaccines will be administered to children aged 9 months to 14 years, and the exercise will last for 10 days.
He stated that Nigeria has the highest number of children globally infected with the measles and rubella viruses.
He added that the situation highlights a significant gap in the immunity status of children who are not receiving their vaccines as and when due, resulting in serious consequences such as deafness, blindness, and other complications.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a healthcare system that is not only accessible but also provides the best possible care and supports early detection of preventable diseases.
In his address, the State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar Wurno, stated that 1,378 teams have been set up, with each team in the 244 wards consisting of 11 personnel.
Dr. Faruk Umar Wurno added that the state has received 3,072,520 doses of vaccines from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.
The Commissioner also used the opportunity to thank the state government for releasing its counterpart funding for the exercise.
Commenting, the representative of the Sultan and District Head of Wurno, Alhaji Kabir Alhassan Cigari, assured of the traditional rulers’ commitment to ensuring the success of the exercise.
Rel/: MUSTAPHA
