The World Health Organisation and the administration of Borno State have launched a 10-day polio immunisation campaign across the state’s 27 local government districts.
The immunisation effort will reach nearly two million children across the states, including those in remote locations.
The vaccinations to be given are of two types: fIPV, which means fractional doses of the inactivated poliovirus vaccine, and nOPV, which stands for new oral poliomyelitis (polio) vaccine type-2, which is intended for children aged 0 to 59 months.
Borno State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Prof. Baba Gana, who was represented at the campaign’s launch by the Director, Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr. Aliyu Shettima, said the vaccination team would be stationed in fixed and strategic locations such as schools, markets, orphanage homes, motor parks, and other public gatherings.
Shettima stated that traditional and religious leaders will be critical in reaching the campaign’s main goal, and he thanked WHO for their continuous assistance.
Dr Moisule Ganga, the WHO’s interim Director for Borno State, stated:
“The World Health Organisation will continue to support the state government to immunise eligible children, including those in hard-to-reach locations.”
“This campaign has the capacity to eliminate any potential virus, including the wild poliovirus, and we are optimistic that we will achieve 100 percent success.”
He praised WHO for its dedication to the state’s goal of guaranteeing access to quality health care.
cc: Punch Ng
