Muhammad Alabira Nabordo
The Jigawa State government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has successfully achieved 100% settlement coverage in its polio immunization drive in Kirikassamma Local Government Area.
According to Mr. Kabiru Musa, the Primary Healthcare Manager in Kirikassamma LGA, a total of 532 settlements were covered, with 68,174 children immunized against polio using 71,950 doses.
The immunization drive, which targeted 72,955 children across the LGA, recorded a 62% coverage in the first two days, with the remaining 32% covered in the final two days of the program.
Mr. Musa expressed satisfaction with the progress, attributing the success to the collaborative efforts of the state government, UNICEF, and other stakeholders.
He said this was achieved because of the enlightenment campaign held across the local government area.
“Parents were sensitized through public lectures, religious leaders and traditional rulers, campaign carried out in the mosques and market places,” he added.
Christiana Dza, representing UNICEF, identified non-compliance from some parents as the main challenge encountered during the exercise.
Some parents expressed concerns that the immunization could lead to infertility in their children, despite government assurances and education efforts.
Dza praised the overall success of the exercise, noting that it surpassed previous immunization drives in the state.
The Jigawa State government has demonstrated its commitment to improving healthcare outcomes, particularly in rural areas, through initiatives like this polio immunization drive.
The success in Kirikassamma LGA serves as a model for other LGAs to replicate, underscoring the importance of community engagement and collaboration in achieving public health goals.
