The Sokoto State Government has promised that it will continue working hard to completely get rid of the polio virus in the state.
Dr. Muhammad Bello Marnona, the Special Adviser on Primary Healthcare Development, gave this assurance while visiting Baichi and Bingaji wards in Yabo Local Government Area to check on the polio vaccination program.
Dr. Marnona said the visit was to make sure the vaccination is going well and to follow the orders of Governor Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto. The goal is to make sure every eligible child in the area gets vaccinated.
He said he was happy with the strong support from the local government, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community members, which has helped the campaign succeed so far.
Dr. Marnona also mentioned that when some people refused the vaccine or didn’t follow the rules, a special committee made up of community leaders was formed to help fix the issue.
Dr. Larai Aliyu Tambuwal, the Executive Secretary of the Agency, said that everyone needs to work together to stop polio completely and make sure no child is left out.
She explained that out of 145 countries in the world, only Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria are still fighting polio. That’s why it’s important for everyone to join in and fight the disease for a healthier society.
The Chairman of Yabo, Muhammad Abubakar Bazar, was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Usman Na’Allah Yabo. He said the local government has taken steps to deal with people who refuse or avoid the vaccine.
In their own comments, the Secretary of the area, Alhaji Bello Muhammad, and the local APC Chairman, Bello Danmaliki Yabo, asked the health agency to provide enough security guards at all Primary Healthcare Centers. This would help stop theft and damage to hospital equipment.
After that, the Special Adviser and his team held a meeting with the traditional leader of Bingaji, Alhaji Sani Bello.
Alhaji Sani Bello said that to help cover more areas, each vaccination team was paired with local village heads who helped educate parents about the importance of the vaccine.
The Special Adviser was joined by some directors from the Health Agency during the visit.
