Katsina Commences Immunisation Of Children

By  Chioma Umeha

LAGOS – The Katsina State Government says it is ready to conduct four rounds of polio immunisation for children in the state starting from September till December.

The Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mannir Yakubu, said during the weekend, in Katsina, that the first round of immunisation would commence on Saturday (today) and last for four days.

Yakubu, who is the chairman of the state taskforce on immunisation and polio eradication, told members of the taskforce that the state would not want to take chances with the infection since its resurgence in Borno State.

He said, “I believe most of you are aware of the setback the country has experienced due to the discovery of three cases of polio in Borno State.

“In order to prevent the spread of the infection to Katsina State, we have planned to conduct four rounds of immunisation for the remaining period of 2016. We will continue to strengthen routine immunisation at health facilities and outreaches across the 34 local government areas.

“Polio anywhere is polio everywhere. So, we must ensure qualitative campaign that will get the polio vaccine to every child.

“You will agree with me that having four rounds of polio campaign before the end of the year requires a lot of commitment, hard work, massive mobilisation and effective monitoring and supervision to reduce programme fatigue, non- compliance and missed children.”

He said previous campaigns had been successful and expressed optimism that the next rounds would record a high coverage and less non-compliance.

According to him, a high risk analysis has been conducted as adequate provisions have been made for high risk areas.

“Senior supervisors have been posted to all the 34 councils while social mobilisation activities are ongoing. Vaccines and other consumables have arrived the state and are being distributed at the moment,” Yakubu said.