Jigawa Govt, UNICEF Target 4.8m Children For Measle, Polio Immunisation
By: Ahmed Aminu, Dutse
The Jigawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA) in collaboration with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) will on Monday commence a statewide vaccination campaign targeting over 4.8 million children.
The children are expected to receive vaccination to prevent them from contracting measles and polio.
The State Immunization Officer, Dr. Shehu Ibrahim, said at a media dialogue in Dutse, said 3,186,521 children aged 9 months to 14 years have been earmarked for Measles-Rubella vaccination. They represent about 48–49 per cent of the state’s population.
He said 1,517,319 children between 0 and 59 months will receive the Oral Polio Vaccine.
According to him, the exercise will run from October 6 to 15 across all 288 wards in the 27 local government areas of the state.
He said 1,580 vaccination teams have been deployed, each team consisting of 11 personnel, including vaccinators, recorders, mobilisers and town announcers.
Dr Ibrahim added that 5,121 trained health workers have been mobilised to ensure smooth implementation of the campaign.
The state immunization officer said that the exercise also include routine immunisation services to mop up unvaccinated children.
Also speaking, the State Coordinator, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Kabiru Mustapha, said the media engagement was organised to seek support in sensitising parents and caregivers on the importance of the vaccination.
He expressed concern over preventable child deaths caused by measles and other infectious diseases, stressing that “all hands must be on deck to protect both the newborn and the unborn.”
Dr. Mustapha appealed to parents, traditional and religious leaders to cooperate with the vaccinators, assuring that the vaccines are safe and free.
“With the support of all stakeholders, Jigawa can attain zero measles and polio infections,” he said.
