Traditional Leader Praises Immunization Efforts for Reducing Disability Cases in Northern Nigeria.
By Mike Odeh James
KADUNA, — A traditional leader in northern Nigeria has praised the Nigerian government and international partners, particularly the World Health Organization (WHO), for their continued support of polio immunization, which he says has significantly reduced cases of disability in the community.
Speaking during African Immunization Week, the District Head of Rigasa, Mallam Aminu Idris, through his representative Alhaji Abubakar Bello Galadimawa, applauded the progress made in the fight against polio. He attributed the positive change to consistent and widespread immunization campaigns.
“The continued immunization efforts are producing very encouraging results. We are witnessing fewer disability cases than in the past,” the traditional leader said.
He emphasized the importance of sustained public awareness efforts to educate parents and guardians about vaccine-preventable diseases and other childhood health threats.
“I call on parents to respect and support the government’s health initiatives, especially those that aim to protect our children from preventable illnesses,” he added.
The district head also highlighted the role of grassroots engagement, praising the Journalists Initiative on Immunization Against Polio (JAP) for its creative street entertainment strategy, which he said effectively draws children to receive vaccines in a fun and convincing manner.
In his remarks, JAP’s Kaduna State Coordinator, Mallam Lawal Dogara, expressed gratitude to WHO for its ongoing support. He noted that the partnership has been crucial in pushing polio to the brink of eradication in Nigeria.
“With continued collaboration, we hope polio will soon be history, and we can then redirect our collective energy toward addressing other pressing health challenges,” Dogara said.
Nigeria once considered a polio-endemic country, was declared wild polio-free by the WHO in 2020, but health officials continue to advocate for vaccination to prevent any resurgence.
