The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar lll, has called on traditional leaders in Zamfara to redouble their commitment and efforts toward polio eradication in the state.
He made the call in Gusau on Tuesday, during a strategic meeting with traditional leaders in the hard-to-reach areas of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the meeting was organised by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency in collaboration with Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development.
The monarch, represented by the Coordinator of the Foundation and Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Isma’ila Mera, described the high rate of poliovirus cases in the state as alarming.
According to him, from January to date, a total of 21 polio cases have been recorded, adding that the figure is almost half of the total cases recorded in the country,
He noted that out of the 21 cases, seven were recorded in Gusau local government area, six in Maradun, and five in Gummi, while Maru and Bungudu recorded two cases and one case respectively.
“As I am speaking to you, with this figure, Zamfara becomes the epicentre of the polio virus in the whole of Africa.
“Most of these cases were recorded in the inaccessible communities in the state due to insecurity.
“This is very unfortunate; as traditional rulers, we will not allow ugly things to continue,” he said.
The monarch called on traditional rulers in the state to always ensure that every child in their domain is vaccinated against polio.
He said, “We invited you to this meeting to discuss extensively on ways forward in addressing the challenges. Therefore, we are expecting positive changes from the meeting.”
The Sultan commended the commitments of Governor Dauda Lawal toward polio eradication, saying, “The governor expressed readiness to work with us towards polio eradication.”
In his remarks, the Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuiab, said the focus of the meeting was on delivering polio vaccines to eligible children in inaccessible settlements.
Shuiab, who was represented by the Incident Manager, National Polio Emergency Operations Center, Dr. Abdulkadir Gana, said the goal of the meeting was to stop the transmission of the circulating variant poliovirus Type 2 by December 2023.
“We also want to strengthen the Primary Health Centres by introducing innovative strategies with your guidance. Last week, we held a meeting with traditional rulers in Sokoto and Kebbi states.
“We had robust discussions on the way forward. We are in Zamfara today and we are hopeful of achieving the same objectives”, Shuiab said.
“The NPHCDA has been committed to delivering healthcare services to all in Nigeria regardless of the challenges.
“With your support as traditional rulers who hold the well-being of your communities at heart, we can overcome these obstacles and ensure that no child is left behind.
“My appeal to you, is to lend your wisdom, influence and support to this noble cause; let us work together to break down the barriers, build bridges and create a path towards a polio free-Zamfara,” he said.
(NAN)
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