The Humanitarian Times

By Abdul Kareem

The Shehu of Dikwa, Alhaji Ibrahim Ibn Umar El-kanemi, has called upon his community to participate actively in the ongoing polio vaccination drive within the emirate council.

During the launch of the Break Response polio immunisation effort in Dikwa town, the traditional leader emphasised the importance of the campaign. He encouraged District Heads, Community Leaders, Heads of organisations, religious groups, and families to ensure their children and wards receive the vaccine.

Alhaji El-kanemi praised the simultaneous vaccination initiatives against meningitis and measles, which began last week, and lauded Governor Babagana Zulum for his unwavering support of public health and safety in Borno State.

The Shehu underscored the timeliness of the campaign, given the recent weather changes, and reminded his audience that “Immunisation is the most effective way to protect against polio, a preventable disease. All infants and children should be vaccinated to shield them from its devastating consequences.”

The event was attended by dignitaries, including the Chairman of Dikwa Local Government Area, Hon. Rawa Gana Modu, represented by the Leader of the Local Government Legislative Council, as well as representatives from UNICEF and the Primary Health Care coordinator for Dikwa. It featured the ceremonial immunisation of children, the taking of photographs, and the distribution of immunisation kits.

Despite Nigeria being declared free from wild polio in August 2020, the threat persists with the continued transmission of the Variant Polio Virus2 (cVPV2) strain, which saw 168 cases in the country in 2022 alone.