The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Borno State Government have jointly initiated a 10-day polio vaccination campaign spanning all 27 local government areas within the state.
This vaccination drive aims to reach and immunize over two million children residing in various areas, including those in remote or hard-to-access locations.
The vaccine regimen includes two types: fIPV, which denotes fractional doses of the inactivated poliovirus vaccine, and nOPV, referring to the novel oral poliomyelitis (polio) vaccine type-2 designed for children aged 0-59 months.
At the campaign’s outset, the Borno State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Prof. Baba M. Gana, represented by Dr. Aliyu Shettima, Director of Disease Control and Immunization, explained that vaccination teams would be stationed at fixed and strategic locations such as schools, markets, orphanages, motor parks, and other public gatherings.
Shettima emphasized the pivotal role of traditional and religious leaders in accomplishing the campaign’s overarching goal and expressed gratitude to the WHO for its unwavering support.
The WHO acting Director for Borno State, Dr. Moisule Hussaini Ganga, said, “The World Health Organisation will continue to support the state government to immunize 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 per cent success.”
He commended the WHO for remaining committed to the state’s objective of ensuring access to quality health services.
