Khadijah Aliyu
The Kano state government KNSG says it has put strong mechanisms in place in the fight against polio.
The state commissioner for health, Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, made the indication at EOC Muhammad Abdullah Wase Teaching Kano as part of activities to mark the International World Polio Day WPD 2024.
Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours.
The virus is transmitted by person-to-person spread mainly through the faecal-oral route or, less frequently, by contaminated water or food.
Dr. Abubakar explained that the State Taskforce on Immunization, LGA teams, and partners are integral part and are on the frontline in this crusade.
“which we have conquered having been certified Polio free in August, 2020 but still have to put more efforts to maintain and sustain the new gains of the Polio free status”
He pointed out that Kano state committed and hardworking vaccination teams sometimes risk their lives, by going house-to-house in some of the most inhospitable terrains and places, working along with traditional leaders to deliver this oral vaccine to 0-5 children.
The commissioner described the day as historic and an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on collective efforts towards eradication of all types Polio of Viruses from Kano State and Nigeria as a nation.
“even as we are confronted with outbreaks of other epidemic prone diseases”
He maintained that WPD is also a chance to raise awareness of the importance of polio vaccination to protect every child from the devastating disease, and to celebrate contributions to make polio eradication achievable.
Dr. Abubakar hinted that, the World Polio Day is celebrated every 24th October over a decade ago, with only one prime objective, that is “a chance for reflection and a reminder to reach every last child”.
“Through united action, by governments and partners, the incidence of WPV cases has since dropped”
The commissioner noted that, 2024 is a special year for the eradication effort, saying that, an outbreak of variant poliovirus type 2 in Gaza has drawn the world’s attention on the reality that as long as polio exists anywhere, all countries will remain at risk.
“The occasion also commemorates the birth of Jonas Salk, who led the team for developing first inactivated poliovirus vaccine for Poliomyelitis, and subsequent widespread use of the oral poliovirus, developed by Albert Sabin”
He commended the state Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his immense support to Polio Eradication, Kano Emirate Council and all other traditional and religious Philanthropists and influential people for lending a helping hand in improving the health status.
“We are fully aware of the contribution of developmental partners such as WHO, UNICEF, AFENET, SOLINA, eHealth Africa, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation, Coregroup, Sultan Foundation, Chigari Foundation, among others.
The theme for the 2024 WPD “Global Unity and Sustainable Development” to reflect on the UN priorities for SDG acceleration”