Ayeeshat J Ahmad
Aminci Radio
Abba Kabir Yusuf the executive Governor of Kano state reaffirmed his administration’s commitment in combating the polio virus and other childhood diseases, he also express his determination to intensify vaccination efforts, working with health agencies and local communities to reach every corner of Kano.
During the campaign at Dawakin kudu local government area while launching the vaccination campaign,which aims to vaccinate all eligible children in the state, he said the campaign is part of their efforts to strengthen children’s immune systems and curb the spread of the virus, especially as Kano remains one of the 18 high-risk states in Nigeria.
Since Nigeria’s certification as a polio-free nation in August 2020, the governor emphasized that Kano has not let down its guard.
“We are committed to maintaining vigilant surveillance and ensuring routine immunization continues to protect our children,” he said.
“I assured you that my administration’s continuous backing of health programs aimed at improving the welfare of Kano’s citizens”.
Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, who also chairs the State Task Force on Polio Eradication, lauded the governor’s unwavering dedication to healthcare issues.
“The governor’s timely intervention and commitment are commendable,” Gwarzo said.
Meanwhile, Health Commissioner Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf explained that Dawakin Kudu was chosen as the flag-off location due to its unique and difficulties facing health , such as low immunization coverage and hard-to-reach communities.
Dr Labaran called for stockholders and those targeted to double their efforts to address these gaps.
Earlier In his remarks, The WHO Country Representative Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo Walter ably represented by WHO Kano State Coordinator, Dr. MAYANA Sanusi Abubakar stated that ,To ensure quality implementation and adherence to the SOPs and Guidelines, WHO deployed 484 Field Volunteers, 68, Enhanced Independent Monitors, 45 Local Government Facilitators, 19 Assistant Public Health Officers and 6 Management Support Team to provide technical support to the vaccination team and ensure no child is missed.
He Further expressed that from urban to rural areas and from the hardest to reach and nomadic settlements, WHO will provide technical support to ensure all eligible children are reached with 2 drops of nOPV2 vaccine.
Dr MAYANA sunusi said WHO is committed to supporting and complimenting Kano state government’s efforts to interrupt cVPV2 transmission or reduce cVPV2 cases by at least 80% by December 2024.
Aminci Radio reported that the Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, represented by Dr. Bashir Muhammad Dankadai, stressed the need for a robust public awareness campaign, urging households to embrace routine immunization as a means of protecting future generations.
The 2024 Polio Eradication campaign marks a continued effort by Kano State to secure the health of its youngest citizens, ensuring the hard-earned polio-free status of Nigeria is upheld.