An international organization Launches Media Dialogue on Polio Immunization Campaign in Kano
by Ayeeshat J Ahmad
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has organized a media dialogue to kick-start a new polio immunization campaign in Kano State on Thursday .the campaign, which will target approximately 3 million children, aims to eradicate polio through house-to-house vaccination and immunization in hospitals and facilities across the state.
In his remark UNICEF kano field officer Mr Rahma Rahood Muhammad Farah , said today’s event represents their continuing engagement with the media to solicit support towards the strategic goal of eradicating polio in Kano state and indeed in Nigeria.
Adding that the media remains a strategic partner in the war against polio ,Because disseminating accurate information on polio is crucial to addressing disinformation, misinformation, rumours and myths, which are all preventing families from accepting the vaccine.
“We want you to tell these families Vaccines are available, they are safe and effective.” and by doing so this we will be helping to ensure that every child under five vaccinated and protected against polio and other killing diseases.”
“The June Polio Vaccination campaign coincides with the Day of the African Child, whose theme is focusing on Child-friendly budgeting”
The campaign will involve vaccinating children under five years old against polio, with a focus on reaching every eligible child in the state .
According to Dr. Abba Shehu, Incident Manager, Federal Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of community engagement and stakeholder involvement in the polio eradication program.
Dr shehu added that the they have Strategy Shift, the federal ministry of health has adopted a new strategy to detect polio cases and engage communities in the eradication efforts.
In his statement Incident Manager, Kano State Ministry of Health, Dr. Abdullahi Said Ahmad emphasized the importance of the campaign, stating that it targets about 3 million children in Kano State.
Dr Abdullahi emphasis that they need the support of the media to ensure that every child in Kano State is vaccinated against polio.
“The objective of the campaign is to eradicate polio in Kano State and protect children from the debilitating effects of the disease. With the support of the on air personalities and other stakeholders, the campaign aims to reach every eligible child and ensure that they are vaccinated against polio” Dr Abdullahi EOC
Pulse Time Nigeria reports ,the event take place at the E-health Africa today the dialogue brought together media on air personalities from across Kano State to sensitize them on the importance of the campaign and the role they can play in promoting it.