Kaduna: WHO Engages JAP to Support Polio Vaccination in Non-Compliant Settlements

From Abdurrahman Abdullahi, Kaduna

In line with its mandate to support governments in strengthening health systems and promoting health security, the World Health Organization (WHO) has engaged the Journalists Initiative on Immunization Against Polio (JAP) cultural troupe to collaborate with the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board (SPHCB) in addressing challenges in the implementation of Outbreak Response (OBR) activities, particularly in high-risk settlements.

As part of this initiative, JAP conducted local theater performances in Pambegua community, located in Kubau Local Government Area. The performances targeted hotspot settlements with high rates of noncompliance to polio vaccination.

These community-based performances drew the attention of families and children, creating a strategic opportunity for vaccinators to reach and immunize children who had previously missed vaccination rounds.

The intervention led to the successful immunization of many children, thereby significantly reducing the number of zero-dose cases in the area.

Speaking during the exercise, Sarkin Nasarawan Pambegua, Alhaji Abdu Dan Nasamu, commended WHO for its consistent support to the SPHCB and its contributions to broader health initiatives in the state.

He also praised the JAP cultural troupe, noting that their performances played a vital role in achieving tangible results.

He urged parents to always accept polio immunization, stressing its critical importance in protecting their children’s health.

Also commenting, a youth leader, Comrade Sani Ibrahim, described JAP’s activities as impressive, particularly due to the high number of previously missed children who were immunized through the initiative.