Gusau: The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended the Zamfara government and other stakeholders for maintaining a zero polio virus status in the state. The officer in charge of the Sokoto UNICEF Field Office, Isah Ibrahim, extended this commendation during a media dialogue on the Polio Outbreak Response Campaign held in Gusau.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ibrahim congratulated the Zamfara government for a significant milestone in the fight against polio, having sustained a zero polio virus status for 20 months. He acknowledged the efforts of Governor Dauda Lawal, the Ministry of Health, and the Primary Health Care Board (PHCDB) in maintaining this success. Ibrahim also appreciated the support from other stakeholders, particularly the media, during the April polio vaccination round.
Ibrahim highlighted UNICEF’s commitment to reaching every child with the oral polio vaccine and ending polio virus transmission by 2025. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming June polio vaccination campaign, set to commence this Saturday, and urged for continued support to ensure every child in the state receives the vaccine.
He recalled the historical impact of the polio virus, which has crippled children for centuries until the discovery of the Oral Polio Vaccine. Ibrahim called on the media to help spread the message to caregivers, encouraging them to ensure Zamfara remains a zero polio virus state. He also mentioned the upcoming Day of the African Child on June 17, expressing hope that Zamfara would be able to mark the day by showcasing its success in vaccinating all children below the age of five against the polio virus.
The State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Nafisa Maradun, assured the government’s continued commitment to maintaining a polio-free status in Zamfara. She praised UNICEF and other partners for their contributions to the success in achieving a polio-free state. Maradun also acknowledged the support from local government council chairmen, traditional, and religious leaders in the state. She urged parents to present their children below five years of age for the polio vaccination exercise.
