Kano Dep. Governor Hosts Immunization Taskforce, Debunks Polio Vaccination Myths
By Mustapha Salisu
Kano State Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has debunked the widespread myth that routine polio immunization prevents women from conceiving.
He made this clarification on Friday while presiding over a meeting of the State Taskforce Committee on Immunization and Primary Healthcare at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano.
Comr. Gwarzo, who also chairs the Taskforce Committee, recalled his tenure as Chairman of Gwarzo Local Government Area 23 years ago, during which he led the local polio immunization efforts.
“Children who received the vaccine during that period are now between 22 and 23 years old. Many of them got married between the ages of 15 and 20 and have given birth without any issues. So, the myth that polio vaccination causes infertility has been practically debunked,” he stated.
He urged the people of Kano to support UNICEF and other development partners who are working to eradicate polio in the state. He warned that if the virus is not eliminated, foreign countries that have successfully eradicated polio may impose travel restrictions on Nigerians.
“To succeed, we must engage all stakeholders religious leaders, traditional rulers, and political actors to ensure every corner of the state is reached. If we work together and do this properly, Kano can achieve total eradication of polio by December,” he added.
The Deputy Governor also called on residents to prioritize hygiene and sanitation, especially during the rainy season, to prevent outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, polio and others.
Also in his remarks, the Chairman of Gaya Local Government Area, Hon. Mahmud Tajo Gaya, assured the Deputy Governor of full cooperation from all 44 LGA Chairmen in supporting the immunization campaign.
Hon. Tajo, who is also ALGON’s Lead Representative on Health Matters, said the Chairmen are committed to addressing challenges that may arise during the campaign, including issues of non-compliance, fake finger-marking, and ensuring attendance of all 44 LGA Chairmen during review meetings.
He commended the Kano State Government for providing the necessary support to accelerate the campaign and acknowledged the vital role of development partners in the fight against polio.
PRIME TIME NEWS reports that highlights of the meeting included presentation of awards to Local Government Areas (LGAs) that performed exceptionally in the fight against the polio virus in the month of April as Kabo LGA emerged in first place, followed by Gaya in second, Makoda in third, and Gwarzo in fourth position.
