Khadijah Aliyu
Parents and caregivers across the Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State have turned out in large numbers to present their eligible children for the November round of the polio immunisation campaign.
A visit to several communities within the LGA showed an impressive response to the campaign.
Many parents flocked to designated immunisation points and Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).
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At the same time, house-to-house vaccination teams moved across neighbourhoods to ensure that all children under the age of five received the polio vaccine.
A mother from Rigafada Ward, Aisha Abdulwahabu, described immunisation as a vital tool in preventing the spread of polio.
She recalled a childhood polio case that left a young girl in her community deformed, emphasising the importance of protecting children through timely vaccination.
She urged parents and caregivers to prioritise their children’s health by ensuring they are vaccinated.
Another mother, Asiya Habibu, said she has consistently ensured that her children receive routine and polio immunisation over the years, noting that vaccines have significantly reduced cases of polio and other childhood killer diseases.
According to her, the success of the polio vaccination programme is evident, as cases among young children have become rare compared to previous years.
She appealed to parents, caregivers, and community stakeholders to help dispel misconceptions surrounding the polio vaccine and promote awareness.
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A member of the Kumbotso immunisation team, Wasila Saad, confirmed that the team did not face resistance during the exercise.
Wasila attributed the large turnout to the sustained sensitisation efforts by the government and development partners, which she said have contributed greatly to the community’s acceptance of the exercise.
She commended residents for their cooperation, noting that many willingly presented their children for vaccination.
During the official flag-off of the campaign, the Head of Health Department, Kumbotso LGA, Lawan Ahmed Getso, commended the LGA Chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Ghali, for his unwavering support and commitment toward ensuring the success of immunisation programmes in the area.
The comprehensive polio vaccination campaign was organized by the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) in partnership with the Kano State Government, with support from key global health partners including UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), Gavi, Rotary International, and the Gates Foundation.