The United Nations Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has issued a critical alert regarding the potential for an imminent polio outbreak in Niger State, attributing this heightened risk to the significant number of cases reported in neighbouring states.
Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed, a Social and Behaviour Change Specialist with UNICEF's Kaduna Field Office, stated, “With the cases in neighbouring states, Niger stands the risk of having polio outbreak if proactive measures are not taken.”
Speaking in Minna over the weekend, prior to the commencement of an immunisation campaign in the state, Dr. Mohammed reviewed the polio situation in adjacent states like Bauchi, Kebbi, Kwara, Zamfara, and Sokoto. He underscored the critical need for all children within the designated age bracket in Niger State to receive vaccination.
“The increasing number of cases in states bordering Niger poses a significant threat to children in the state, particularly those yet to be vaccinated”, he emphasised, reiterating that “There is no cure for polio, immunisation remains the most effective way to prevent it”.
Consequently, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed implored parents and guardians across Niger State to ensure their children participate in the upcoming polio immunisation drive.
In his contribution, Mohammed Usman, the State Health Educator for the Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency, announced that the immunisation campaign would be rolled out across all 25 local government areas of the state. He assured the public that the exercise is designed to effectively contain the spread of the disease.
Usman further elaborated that complete protection against polio necessitates multiple vaccine doses. He cautioned that any missed vaccinations could unfortunately result in the continued transmission of the virus.
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