Sokoto partners UNICEF on polio vaccination campaign

The Sokoto state government and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have begun the second phase of the Outbreak Response (OBR) polio vaccination campaign.

The campaign, targeting children under five across the 23 LGAs of the state, kicked off on June 13 in Shagari town.

The initiative, themed ‘Dosage of Good News’, deployed 2,700 professionals and trained teams across 244 wards.

Faruk Umar, the state’s commissioner for health, spoke about the commitment to eliminate polio which is prevalent in the north-west.

“We are working tirelessly to discourage the spread of the virus through proper sanitation, improved access to vaccines among other drivers in the state,” he said. 

Umar highlighted efforts to change negative household perceptions about the polio vaccine, noting improvements from the April campaign.

He commended UNICEF for their support; Ahmed Aliyu, Sokoto state governor, for the enabling environment; and traditional leaders, including Sultan Abubakar, for changing the narrative.

Isah Ibrahim, a UNICEF official, said stakeholder commitment is vital for success.

“It will help consolidate on our successes and encourage more effective and efficient services tailored at ending the spread of the virus,” he said.

Community heads were engaged to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Umar reiterated the need to sustain momentum for a polio-free state and country, acknowledging the roles of council chairmen and ward heads.

The simultaneous rollout across 22 other LGAs aims to build on previous successes, enhancing public awareness and vaccine acceptance.