Kano State Governor Pledges to Eradicate Polio and Other Childhood Diseases
In a bold move to protect the health of its children, the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has reiterated the state government’s commitment to end polio and other childhood communicable diseases. This commitment comes as the state launches its 2024 polio eradication campaign, targeting 3.6 million children in the state.
Governor Yusuf made the pledge at a ceremony in Dawakin Kudu local government of the state, where the campaign was flagged off. He emphasized the importance of intensifying vaccination efforts, particularly in areas with low routine immunization coverage. To achieve this, the government will collaborate with local communities to reach out to every part of the state, ensuring that all children are vaccinated.
The Governor also urged parents to make their wards available for immunization and tasked them with maintaining good hygiene. He assured them that the government is committed to programs and policies that will improve their wellbeing.
The Chairman of the state task force on polio eradication, Aminu Gwarzo, thanked the partners involved in the campaign, not only for their commitment to ending polio in Kano but also in the entire country. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to cooperate with donor agencies towards eradicating poliomyelitis.
Dr. Abubakar Yusuf, the state commissioner for Health, explained that Dawakin Kudu was chosen as the flag-off location due to its low routine immunization coverage. He emphasized the need to address this gap to ensure that all children are protected from these preventable diseases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also pledged its support to the campaign. According to Dr. Mayana Sanusi, the organization’s State Coordinator, WHO deployed a team of experts to provide technical support to the vaccination team and ensure that no child is left behind. This team consists of 484 Field Volunteers, 68 Enhanced Independent Monitors, 45 Local Government Facilitators, 19 Assistant Public Health Officers, and six Management Support Team members.
With this commitment and support, the people of Kano State can look forward to a future where polio and other childhood communicable diseases are a thing of the past.
