Rakiya A.Muhammad
Stakeholders have identified the need to tackle non-compliance to immunisation and the continued resurfacing of the polio virus in Sokoto State.
They spoke at the opening of the UNICEF Representative’s meeting with the Chairmen of Local Government and Religious/Traditional Leaders in Sokoto.
State Deputy Governor Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir who opened the meeting ,described the continuous polio virus in Sokoto as a concern to the government.
He instructed Immunisation officials to ensure they report any non-compliance in the field. Gobir reassured the public that the state has the necessary personnel, resources, and capacity to end the virus.
He said a State Standing Committee and local and ward-level subcommittees already existed to address such cases.
The deputy governor expressed strong optimism that the state would eradicate the disease through concerted efforts.
He reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to achieving the goal of polio eradication.
The State Commissioner of Health, Dr Faruk Umar Abubakar, noted non-compliance as a major reason for the continued resurfacing of the polio virus.
He added that they had taken necessary measures to address these challenges.
UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Mrs. Christian Munduate, identified fake fingerprint markings by some parents and vaccinators as one of the challenges.
She highlighted the Sokoto North and South local government areas as having the highest number of polioviruses.
