Experts predict end to polio disease in Nigeria

From Raji Bello, Sokoto

Health stakeholders have predicted that Nigeria is in the twilight of eradicating polio disease.

Speaking at a one-day orientation meeting organised for members Journalists Against Polio (JAP) in Sokoto, the state coordinator, Centre for Disease Control, (CDC), Mrs. Halmatu Bolatito noted that with ongoing concerted efforts it is obvious that the country would soon be out of the list of countries harbouring the Wild Polio Virus (WPV).

The workshop is to enhance the JAP members on how best to ensure the success of the forthcoming round of the National Polio Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) in the state.

Bolatito noted that both the government and other partners have made significant effort for the campaign to eradicate the scourge in the country, and submitted that Nigeria is now at the transition period to stamp out polio.

She described the December round of the exercise as very crucial to the campaign and urged for wider coverage. “Other issues that need to be highlighted by the JAP members in the state include the low coverage of routine immunization.

“The care givers should be sensitized to access free antigens to protect their children from polio and other child killer diseases,” she added.

Also speaking, the state Coordinator. World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Isiaka Ayodeji Hassan has promised to provide adequate vaccines and gifts to the 23 local governments of Sokoto State

Ayodeji said, ‘’This means that we will provide them with the polio vaccines and gifts like sweets, Indomie noodles and other incentives.

He, therefore, urged JAP members to continue sensitizing and gingering the policy makers and other community leaders as to ensure that all the eligible children are fully immunized.

Earlier, the State Coordinator of JAP, Abdallah El-Kurebe pledged the commitment of its members to sustain the ongoing efforts to eradicate polio and other child killer diseases from the state and Nigeria generally..