By Moh Bello Habib, Zaria
In its mandate to support governments in fostering health security and strengthening health systems, the World Health Organization (WHO) engaged the Journalists Initiative on Immunization against Polio (JAP) cultural troup to work with the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board (SPHCB) in addressing OBR implementation challenges at very high-risk settlements.
Through this innovation, JAP conducted local theater and road show performances in Soba community, Soba Local Government Area of the State,focusing on hotspot settlements with high rates of noncompliance.
The performances attracted families and children, creating opportunity for vaccinators to access and immunize children who had previously missed vaccination.
This intervention resulted in the successful vaccination of 207 children, inorder to reduce the number of zero-dose cases in the area.
Speaking at the event the Wakilin Fulanin Zazzau and traditional focal person for Soba LGA Mallam Muhammad Buhari called on religious and community leaders to be committed and support efforts by government towards better health for children.
He said the issue of non-compliance must be addressed to reduce the number of zero dose cases so as not to go back to the former days of witnessing large number of rejections.
According to Mallam Muhammad Buhari, polio immunization is for the wellbeing of Children from age 0 to 5 years which must be taken seriously for their promising future to be achieved.
Also Speaking the Sarkin Marwa village in the Local Government Area, Mal. Yusuf Yusha'u appealed for compliance to experts’ advice on health issues and the need to ensure that no child missed the ongoing polio vaccination.
He commended the State Primary Health care Board and government partners such as the World Health organization for all the support to ensure better health and children wellbeing.
This programme is part of WHO's continued support to the Kaduna State Government in achieving the national goal of interrupting polio transmission in Nigeria.
By implementing innovative strategies to reach noncompliant and zero-dose settlements, WHO remains committed to ensuring that no child is left unvaccinated.
