The wife of Kebbi State Governor, Dr.Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu says the successful elimination of Polio from Nigeria will not have been possible without the effective contribution of our traditional fathers.
Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu made this acknowledgement in Argungu at the celebration of year 2020 World Polio Day 2020.
Dr. Bagudu commended the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammdu Mera for his role, acclaimed internationally to countering misinformation which helped to overcome boycott of the excercise.
She equally appreciated the vital role played by other government, agencies, civil societies and partners.
The wife of the governor also commended the state government for prompt release of funds and providing necessary support that made it possible to attaining 80 percent coverage of polio immunization in Kebbi State .
She urged parents and health workers to sustain the landmark eradication of polio in Nigeria.
On cancer, Dr. Bagudu who is also the Director of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), said that 26 women die of cervical cancer daily and “As it stands, Nigeria has the highest cancer death rate in Africa. Cervical cancer can be eliminated by a simple vaccine against the human papilloma virus- HPV.”, she counseled
She announced that the vaccine against the disease will commence in 2030 sequel to the adoption of a global strategy by World Health Organization (WHO) to eliminate the cervical cancer by 2030.
She stressed the need to learn from the polio experience of ensuring adequate enlightenment campaigns in communities in order to achieve success of the exercise.
“In Yauri, Kebbi State, with funding from Jaiz Foundation, we pioneered a pilot vaccination study for 100 girls, the findings of which will be published soon in a peer review journal.
“Thus, it is my prayer that the the fight against cervical cancer using the HPV vaccine receives the same momentum that polio has received in Nigeria,” she prayed.
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In his remarks, Dr Razi Muktar, representative of WHO, acknowledged the role played by the traditional institution in the fight against the disease , especially the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Mera.
Muktar assured of continued support to Kebbi State in implementing all intervention programs in order to improve its health indices, especially routine immunization.
“We shall also support the state government to deliver an integrated service delivery and strengthen primary health services,” the representative assured.
Also,a representative of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Alhaji Shehu Abdul-Ganiyu, stressed the need for continued polio immunization in spite of polio free certification indices of the country.
He also tasked traditional and religious leaders as well as other stakeholders to sustain advocacy and mobilization of women to attend ante -natal care facilities nearest to their communities.
On his part, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammdu Mera, commended all those in position of authority and development partners for their support to end polio in Nigeria.
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He particularly commended the commitment of Governor Bagudu for his unrelenting efforts and for giving the traditional and religious leaders opportunity to contribute in the fight to end polio in state. Disclosing that other state have since come to study the experience.
He said that,” The fight to eradicate polio is a collective one, hence the need to appreciate all for their wonderful contribution.
A statement by the Special Adviser,Media to the Governor,Yahaya Sarki said polio survivors presented a playlet at the event to stress the importance of immunization.
This was followed by exchange of awards and presentation of certificates .
Similarly active stakeholders who made various contributions to the eradication of polio in the state were presented with awards of appreciation .
They include , Dr. Abubakar Kaoje, Gulman Gulma, Muhammdu Bashar, Mai Arewan Gabas Yeldu, Alhaji Lawal Kakubu, Muzan Bayawa, Murtala Muhammed Kaka, Sarkin Shikon Kamba, Alhaji Muhammd Zarumai .
Others were, Muhammedeen Fall, Chief Field Office Unicef Sokoto, Alhaji Yusuf Sauwa, State Health Educator , Limamin Kabi, Muhammdu Tukur and Dr. Abubakar Muhammd Wali.
