Zamfara records 82% routine immunisation coverage

From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau.

Zamfara state has recorded over 82% coverage of routine immunization of children under five across the 14 local government areas of the state, as announced by the state commissioner for Health, Alhaji Kabiru Ahmad Janyau, through the state Director Primary Healthcare, Alhaji Yusuf Musa.

Kabir Janyau, who made the pronouncement yesterday at the state monthly task force routine immunization feedback meeting with key stakeholders and developmental partners on routine immunization in the state, held in Gusau, the state capital, said the state has recorded significant improvement in meeting with the targeted number of children to be immunized on monthly basis in the past three years of the present administration.

According to him, none of the 14 local government councils of the state had recorded anything below 82% of the coverage of Oral Polio Vaccine3 and Penta 3 vaccine during the September routine immunization data assessment as submitted to the state government by World Health Organization (WHO).

He further explained that since 2012, the state has not recorded any polio case, and called on parents and guardians to continue conveying their children to the nearest facilities established for immunization when it is due.

While commending developmental partners: WHO, UNICEF, Save the Children, Rotary International, Center for Diseases Control, and MNCH2 project for their continuous support in routine immunization activities, the Commissioner lamented the low coverage of Bacillus Calmette–Guerin vaccine and Tetanus vaccine which is below national minimum target [82%].

He also commended the state government commitments towards ensuring conducive environment for the exercise, as well as necessary support to all parties that are willing to support government in eradicating six killer diseases among children in the state.