Sokoto State has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating the polio virus, with officials now mandated to report any case of non-compliance encountered during immunisation exercises.
State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir, issued the directive on Wednesday while addressing a United Nations Representatives’ meeting with Local Government Chairmen, religious leaders, and traditional rulers at the Command Guest Inn, Sokoto.
According to Alhaji Gobir, “The state already has a Standing Committee and several sub-committees at local and ward levels dedicated to tackling resistance to polio immunisation.
“Our government possesses the necessary personnel, resources, and capacity to eliminate the virus.
“Despite sustained vaccination campaigns, the presence of polio in Sokoto remains a source of concern,” he added.
The State Commissioner of Health, Dr Faruk Umar Abubakar, identified two major challenges:
It includes, “Non-compliance by some parents and inaccurate data collection during immunisation exercises.”
The Commissioner assured stakeholders that necessary measures were being implemented to address these issues.
The UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Mrs Christian Munduate, also raised concerns about Sokoto North and South having the highest number of polio cases. She warned that fake fingerprint markings—where some parents and vaccinators falsely claim children have been immunised—were a major obstacle in the fight against the disease.
Mrs Munduate called for stronger collaboration between government agencies, traditional leaders, and international partners to curb these challenges.
At the event, goodwill messages were delivered by key stakeholders, including the representative of the Sultan and District Head of Wurno, Alhaji Kabir Cigari Alhassan, and the Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Health, Alhaji Kabir Dauda.
With renewed government commitment and intensified monitoring, officials are optimistic that Sokoto will soon achieve a polio-free status.
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