The Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, in partnership with the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, has announced plans to commence polio vaccinations for this year’s intending pilgrims on Monday, April 28.
The vaccination exercise is part of a broader effort to safeguard the health and well-being of Bauchi State’s pilgrims during their pilgrimage.
Speaking during a press briefing on the weekend, the Executive Secretary of the Pilgrims Welfare Board, Imam Abdulrahman Idris Ibrahim, stated that vaccinations will be administered across all local government primary healthcare centres in the state, beginning at 10 AM.
Idris revealed that the vaccination is mandatory for all intending pilgrims, as stipulated by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj Affairs.
Abdulrahman stressed the board’s commitment to ensuring that every pilgrim receives the polio vaccine before travelling to Saudi Arabia.
“The Saudi authorities require all pilgrims to be vaccinated against polio before entering the holy land. We are fully prepared to ensure compliance among our intending pilgrims,” he noted.
The board executive secretary advised intending pilgrims to report to their respective local government primary healthcare centres on Monday for the vaccination.
According to him, special attention will be given to women, who will also undergo pregnancy testing as part of the pre-travel health screening.
He assured that the board, in collaboration with healthcare agencies, is committed to ensuring a seamless vaccination process.
“By prioritising the health and safety of our pilgrims, the state government is reaffirming its dedication to the welfare of its citizens,” Abdulrahman added.
