KNSG vows to tackle Polio resurgence, flags-off vaccination exercise
In response to the resurgence of Polio Virus in some states of the Federation, Kano state government has pledged its commitment to support the fight against the disease.
The State Governor, Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf, made this pledge during the official launch of the Polio Vaccination Exercise in Gabasawa LGA on Saturday.
Represented by his Deputy, Comr. Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, the Governor expressed concern over the resurgence of polio in 26 states, including Kano, after Nigeria’s previous certification as polio-free by the World Health Organization on August 25, 2020.
According to Gov. Abba, the decision to begin the vaccination campaign in Gabasawa LGA was driven by the fact that the region had the highest ratio of unvaccinated children in the state, according to health reports.
The Governor also revealed that various national and international donors, such as WHO, UNICEF, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the African Field Epidemiology Network, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Dangote Foundation, and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, have provided resources to support the fight against the Polio Virus.
During the event, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, urged parents to cooperate and ensure their children receive proper vaccination.
He also announced that the Kano Primary Health Care Development Agency would begin distributing syringes for vaccination in various LGAs starting from the following week.
Dr. Labaran equally made an appeal to the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency to supply more vaccines to Kano state, not only for under 5 children but also for over 20 million people, including pregnant women.
The Emir of Gaya, Alh. Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, represented by the District Head of Gabasawa, Alh. Sani Dawaki, appreciated the state government for launching the exercise in Gabasawa LGA.
He also requested improvements in Gabasawa hospitals and an increase in the number of doctors to enhance health service delivery.
In response to these requests, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf assured that all hospitals in the state, including Gabasawa LGA hospital, will be improved to ensure an effective response to health issues.