Zamfara State Celebrates One Year Without Polio Virus Incidence, Pledges to Eradicate Polio and Measles

Nigeria’s Zamfara State has achieved a significant milestone in its fight against polio and measles, with the State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Aisha M Z Anka, announcing that the state has marked one year without a single incident of polio virus. This achievement is attributed to the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in routine immunization, according to Anka, who made the declaration at a one-day town hall meeting on the upcoming Integration Measles Vaccination Campaign in Gusau.

Anka commended the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, GAVI, and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for their unwavering support, stating that without their involvement, the state would not have been able to achieve this feat. She emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to ensure the state’s 2025 target to eradicate polio and measles is met, with a goal of reducing the incidence by 60%.

Representing the Commissioner, Malam Bashir Surajo Gusau reiterated the state’s commitment to working together to achieve this goal, which is in line with Governor Dauda Lawal’s Health Sector Agenda. The State’s Coordinator of the World Health Organization, Dr Raji, pledged the organization’s support, urging the state to reach the targeted population, including those in underserved areas who are most vulnerable.

The achievement is a major step forward in the battle against these debilitating diseases, which can cause severe health complications and even death. The success is a testament to the power of collaboration and the dedication of healthcare professionals working together to protect the health and well-being of the people of Zamfara State. As the state continues to push towards eradicating polio and measles, the international community can look to Zamfara as a shining example of what can be achieved through collective effort and determination.