By Audu Abba Kurama, Maiduguri
The Borno State Government has reiterated its commitment to eradicating variant polio viruses circulating in some LGAs in the state.
The Director of Healthcare and Community Health Services, Borno State Primary Healthcare Development Board (SPHCDB) Dr. Abdulwahab Mala said this on Saturday during the flag off of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCH) in Maiduguri.
Mala who represented the SPHDB Executive Secretary, Prof. Mohammed Arab, said, “There are circulating polio variants, and we need to interrupt the circulation in some pockets of LGAs.
“We are going from house to house, and volunteer community mobilisers will be part of the teams. In the process, all the eligible children will be identified and referred to the nearest facility. This is how to be result-oriented. We are doing this to optimize our nutrition and routine immunization services. You cannot eradicate polio without optimizing nutrition and immunization services. It will minimize the impact of the aftermath to intensify our reach.’’ he said.
In her remarks, the Chairman, Borno SPHCDA Board, Hajia Yagana Alkali commended the Governor of the State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum for his commitment to the wellbeing of children. “He has given us the mandate to go ahead and eradicate polio. This is our commitment as well,’’ she said.
Speaking at the programme, the UNICEF Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, Mrs. Mamita Bora Thankkr said, “The primary goal of the week-long activity is to intensify delivery of high impact integrated interventions which include Vitamin A supplementation for children 6-59 months, deworming for children 12-59 months, screening for malnutrition for children for 0-59 months and Iron and Folic Acid/Multiple Micronutrients Supplements to pregnant mothers.
“Other interventions are counselling on Maternal Nutrition and Infant and Young Child Feeding, vaccination for children and pregnant women, family planning and HIV testing. All these interventions serve as an opportunity for improving maternal health and child survival and development.’’
