A devastating disease is threatening the children of Katsina State, and the First Lady is calling for urgent action. Polio, a crippling virus, remains a significant threat, and its eradication requires a united front. On World Polio Day, Zulaihat Radda, the First Lady of Katsina State, emphasized the critical need for a collective effort to eliminate this disease. She highlighted the collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the State Primary Health Care Development Agency in this crucial endeavor.
"We must act now," she urged, reminding everyone that the fight against polio is still very real, particularly in many communities across Nigeria and specifically in Katsina State.
She directly addressed parents, imploring them to ensure their children receive vaccinations at health centers. She also called upon religious and traditional leaders, recognizing their influence in shaping community attitudes. She encouraged them to use their positions to promote health and encourage their members to prioritize the well-being of children. This call to action underscores the importance of community involvement in the fight against polio.
But here's where it gets controversial... A new challenge has emerged: the circulating variant polio virus type 2 (cVPV2). This variant is particularly concerning because it can spread silently. As of October 2024, the WHO reported 134 new cases across seven African countries. Nigeria bears the brunt of this challenge, with over 70 reported cases across 14 states and 46 Local Government Areas.
Katsina State is at the epicenter of this outbreak. In 2024 alone, 17 cases were recorded, with two more emerging this year from Danmusa LGA. These numbers are a stark reminder of the urgency of the situation.
The First Lady passionately stated that children affected by polio deserve the chance to run, play, and grow up free from preventable suffering. On World Polio Day, she renewed the commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind and that the dream of a polio-free world becomes a reality.
Rahama Farah, the Chief of the UNICEF Field Office in Kano, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that polio eradication is achievable but hinges on a collective commitment to maintain momentum. He stressed the importance of political commitment, high-quality vaccination campaigns, and active community engagement. He reminded everyone that every child deserves a life free from the debilitating effects of polio. Despite significant global and national progress, children remain vulnerable, and outbreaks threaten the achievements made over decades. In Katsina, UNICEF, government agencies, and partners have mobilized vaccination teams and resolution teams to engage communities and caregivers, ensuring that no child is left behind.
Dr. Shamsudeen Yahaya, the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Primary Health Care Agency, pledged continued awareness campaigns to combat polio and other child-killer diseases in the state. The event was attended by representatives from the World Health Organisation, polio survivors, and the wives of the Local Government Areas’ Chairmen, among others.
What do you think? Are you confident in the measures being taken to eradicate polio? Do you believe community engagement is the most crucial aspect of this fight? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
