In the face of a worrisome rise in new cases of the circulating variant polio virus in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi States, the Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Dauda Lawal, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar, have vowed to rally around traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders behind the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) to end the deadly disease this year.
Governor Lawal and Sultan Abubakar made the vow during the renewed advocacy campaigns against the polio virus led by the Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina.
The governor stated that his administration has embarked on vigorously strengthening the state’s primary healthcare system, blocking financial leakages, and building the capacity of healthcare personnel to ensure the total eradication of the polio virus in the three states.
Governor Lawal also mentioned that he was spearheading a strategic security meeting of the three state governors and promised to use the platform to engineer collective action against the rising cases of the polio virus in the United States.
He commended the concerted efforts of NPHCDA and the development partners while also commissioning the newly constructed Polio Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Gusau, which was dedicated to the war against the virus.
On the other hand, Sultan Abubakar emphasised the strategic role of traditional rulers and religious leaders, describing them as the best institutions well-positioned to help win the war against the polio virus because they are closer and more trusted by the people.
His words: “We strongly commend your efforts, NPHCDA Executive Director, Dr. Muyi Aina, and the Development Partners. We assure you of our 100% support.
“We just need a push, and we will win the war against the polio virus by the grace of God with your total support and support from the state governments. We are saying, Polio, pack your bags and go.”
Earlier, the Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr Muyi Aina, said his agency and development partners have put in place strategic plans such as the enumeration of unvaccinated children, strengthening the PHC system, supporting state governments to provide some basic amenities in vaccine-hesitant communities, and vigorous sensitization campaigns to ensure the polio virus is completely eradicated this year.
Dr Aina thanked Governor Lawal and Sultan Abubakar for their strong leadership roles and commitment towards the total eradication of the Circulating Variant Polio Virus.
The 4-day advocacy campaigns against the polio virus embarked upon by NPHCDA, WHO, UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Foundation, the Sultan Foundation, the Dangote Foundation, Solino, and other development partners crossed Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi States.