National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has commenced the vaccination of 2024 intending pilgrims against polio, meningitis, diphtheria and yellow fever in Kebbi State.
While flagging off the exercise yesterday at Kaura Hajj Camp in Birnin Kebbi, the head of the medical team of the commission, Sa’id Ahmad, said the vaccines were mandatory for all prospective pilgrims.
Ahmad, who represents the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Services and the management of NAHCON, said: “I am here in Kebbi to kick-start the vaccination exercise and ensure that all intending pilgrims are fully immunised in line with the Saudi Arabia Government’s requirements.”
He said the vaccination is important considering the fact that the first inaugural flight will depart Nigeria from Kebbi Airport on May 15.
“That’s why we are here in Kebbi to ensure that the yellow cards written by the Federal Ministry of Health is handed over to the pilgrims and the vaccines procured by the same ministry given to the state,” Ahmad added. He said that the essence of the exercise was to ensure that there are no more fake yellow cards, as the cards would be digitised to ensure adequate immunity was conferred on the intending pilgrims.
