Stakeholders Vow To End Polio Virus In Northern Nigeria

In the face of worrisome rise in the new cases of circulating variant Polio Virus in Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states, critical stakeholders have vowed to rally round traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders behind National Primary Healthcare Development Agency( NPHCDA) to end the deadly disease this year.

The stakeholders which include the governor of Zamfara state, Alhaji Dauda Lawal and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar, gave the assurance during the renewed advocacy campaigns against Polio Virus led by the executive director of NPHCDA, Dr Muyi Aina.

Lawal said his administration has embarked on vigorous strengthening of the State Primary Healthcare system, blocking financial leakages and capacity building of Health Care Personnel to ensure total eradication of Polio Virus in the three States.

The governor revealed that he was spearheading a Strategic Security Meeting of the three states governors and promised to use the platform to engineer a collective action against the rising cases of Polio Virus in the States. He commended the concerted efforts of NPHCDA and the development partners.

On the other hand, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar emphasised the strategic role of traditional and religious leaders, as they are best institutions well positioned to help win the war against polio virus.

Abubakar said, “We strongly commend the efforts of the executive director, PHCDA, Dr Muyi Aina and the development lartners. We assure you of our 100 per cent support. We just need a push and we will win the war against Polio Virus by the grace of God with your total support and support by the state governments. We are saying Polio pack your bags and go”.

Earlier, the executive director of NPHCDA, Aina said his Agency and development partners have put in place strategic plans such as enumeration of unvaccinated children, strengthening PHC System, supporting state governments to provide some basic amenities in vaccine hesitant communities and vigorous sensitization campaigns to ensure polio virus was completely eradicated this year.

Aina thanked governor Lawal and Sultan Abubakar for their strong leadership roles and commitment towards total eradication of the Circulating Variant Polio Virus .