In a joint effort, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Borno State government have embarked on a crucial 10-day polio vaccination campaign that spans all 27 local government areas of the state.
This extensive vaccination initiative has set its sights on reaching more than two million children across the state, including those residing in remote and hard-to-access regions.
The campaign deploys two distinct types of vaccines: fIPV, signifying fractional doses of the inactivated poliovirus vaccine, and nOPV, representing novel oral poliomyelitis (polio) vaccine type-2, specifically designed to safeguard children aged 0-59 months.
During the campaign’s official kickoff, Professor Baba Gana, the Borno State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, conveyed the importance of strategically locating vaccination teams in fixed positions. These locations include schools, markets, orphanage homes, motor parks, and other public gatherings.
Dr. Aliyu Shettima, Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, represented Prof. Baba Gana during the event and emphasized the pivotal role that traditional and religious leaders will play in achieving the campaign’s overarching objectives. He expressed gratitude to the World Health Organisation for their unwavering support.
Dr. Moisule Ganga, the acting Director for WHO in Borno State, shared his commitment to ensuring the immunization of eligible children, even in the most challenging, remote areas. Dr. Ganga stated, “This campaign has the capacity to eliminate any potential virus, including the wild poliovirus, and we are optimistic that we will achieve 100 percent success.” He commended WHO for its dedication to providing access to high-quality healthcare services, aligning with the state’s health objectives.
This 10-day polio vaccination campaign signifies a significant stride towards safeguarding the health of Borno State’s children and preventing the spread of poliovirus.
