Sultan Of Sokoto, Zamfara Gov Collaborate To Eradicate Poliovirus In Northern Nigeria
By Abimbola Kintum
Concerned about the surge in new instances of circulating variant Polio Virus in Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi States, Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Dauda Lawal and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar are committed to mobilizing traditional rulers, religious Leaders and various stakeholders in support of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) to eradicate this lethal disease within the current year.
Lawal and the Sultan pledged their commitment during the Renewed Advocacy Campaigns against Poliovirus, spearheaded by Dr Muyi Aina, the Executive Director of NPHCDA.
Speaking, the Governor 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.
Lawal also stated that he was spearheading a Strategic Security Meeting of the three state governors and promised to use the platform to engineer collective action against the rising cases of Polio Virus in the States.
He commended the concerted efforts of NPHCDA and the Development Partners while also commissioning the Newly Constructed Polio Emergency Operations Centre, EOC, in Gusau which was dedicated to the war against the Polio Virus.
Also speaking, the Sultan emphasised the strategic role of traditional rulers and religious leaders and described them as the best Institutions well positioned to help win the war against the Polio Virus because they are closer and more trusted by the people.
“We strongly commend your efforts NPHCDA Executive Director, Dr Muyi Aina and the Development Partners. We assure you of our 100 per cent support. We just need a push and we will win the war against the 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, Dr. Muyi Aina said his Agency and Development Partners have put in place strategic plans such as enumeration of unvaccinated children, strengthening the 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 the total eradication of the Circulating Variant Polio Virus.
The 4- day Advocacy Campaigns against the Polio Virus embarked upon by NPHCDA, WHO, UNICEF, Bill &; Melinda Foundation, Sultan Foundation, Dangote Foundation, Solino and other Development Partners across Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi States.
