Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, on Friday inaugurated the second round of Polio Outbreak Response campaign in the state.

Mr Aliyu, during the inauguration in Shagari town, Shagari Local Government Area of the state, said that the campaign would cut across the 244 wards in the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Idris Gobir, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eradicating polio and strengthening primary healthcare services in the state.

The governor also said that his administration would continue to invest in immunisation programmes, improve access to essential healthcare services, and collaborate with partners to safeguard the health and future of every child.

Mr Aliyu, who described polio as a devastating disease that could cause lifelong paralysis, said that it was entirely preventable through timely and complete vaccination.

He said, “The oral polio vaccine is safe, effective, and is for free. To ensure full protection, children must receive multiple doses. Therefore, I urge everyone to ensure that children get vaccinated, even if they have done so before.’’

Mr Aliyu called on community leaders, religious organisations, stakeholders, and parents to actively support the initiative by mobilising families and ensuring that “every eligible child is vaccinated.”

According to him, the campaign will adopt a comprehensive strategy, including house-to-house visits and special team stationed in schools, mosques, churches, markets, and playgrounds.

He said, “Fixed posts will also be established at health facilities and other designated locations. The campaign will target all children under five years of age, regardless of their previous vaccination status. To encourage participation, vaccinated children will receive incentives such as packets of noodles and sweets.’’

The governor said that the vaccination would run between June 14 and 17, with two additional days allocated for mop-up to reach targeted children and settlements.

Mr Aliyu expressed gratitude to development partners for their continuous support to the state’s healthcare sector.

He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to addressing polio and building a more resilient healthcare system through collaborative efforts.

In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, commended the state government’s dedication to eradicating polio.

Represented by the District Head of Bodinga, Bello AbdurRa’uf, the Sultan thanked development partners for their support and assured that traditional leaders would lead the campaign to ensure sustainable healthcare delivery.

Also speaking, the state Coordinator of the World Health Organisation, Dr Yusuf Argungu, reiterated the global commitment to eradicating polio and continued support for the state’s healthcare strengthening efforts.

Earlier, Polio Team Lead at UNICEF, Dakar, Senegal, Dr Claude Monj, stressed the importance of polio vaccination.

Mr Monj appreciated the efforts of the state government, community leaders, and frontline healthcare workers for their dedication to the campaign.

 (NAN)