World Health Organisation, WHO, has initiated a large-scale polio vaccination campaign in Borno State, aiming to immunise 2.5 million children against the vaccine-derived polio virus.
State Coordinator, WHO, Dr Ibrahim Audu Salisu, revealed this during the flag-off ceremony of OBR3 campaign held in Old Maiduguri yesterday.
He emphasized that the campaign seeks to protect children and halt the transmission of the virus in the state.
Dr Salisu noted, “3,903 vaccination team members will be deployed across all 27 Local Government Areas in Borno, with WHO providing critical technical support, data tools, and training for the success of the initiative.”
He added that this campaign builds upon previous achievements, with two vaccination rounds already conducted earlier this year, yielding remarkable results in curbing the spread of the virus.
The success of the campaign relies heavily on the support of key stakeholders. Traditional and religious leaders, along with parents and caregivers, were encouraged to actively participate by ensuring children are vaccinated.
The resilience of the Borno State government in the face of challenges, particularly following recent floods, was commended for its continued commitment to public health.
Alhaji Abba Abubakar Shehu Garbai, the District Head of Old Maiduguri, called on parents to present their children for vaccination, stressing its importance for the well-being of the younger generation. He also praised the efforts of WHO and its partners for their dedication.
The campaign is supported by several partners, including the Borno State Ministry of Health, the State Primary Health Care Development Board, and other organizations like the World Health Foundation, African Alliance, Hunger Chigari Foundation, eHealth Core Group, and African Partners Project.
