Polio vaccination records fewer rejection in Borno

BY NDAHI MARAMA, MAIDUGURI

Fewer cases of rejection have been recorded in the month of March, 2017 round of polio immunization in Borno State, signalling a push to end the dangerous disease.

Most residents especially in Maiduguri, Borno’s capital made their five years and below children available for vaccination at various immunization centres and during visits by vaccination volunteers.

Reports indicated that few cases of rejection of the polio vaccine were recorded at Gomari area of the metropolis but was later resolved by traditional leaders in the area.

About 1.9 million children mostly from Boko Haram ravaged communities were targeted for immunization against wild polio virus to be conducted by 14, 000 volunteers in Borno State in the five days campaign, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO)

“Regardless of the rising tide of insecurity in Borno state, more than 14, 000 volunteers are set to vaccinate 1.9 million children under 5-years old against wild polio virus,” the organisation Health Communication/Promotion officer, Chima Onuekwe said in a statement.

Scores of supervisors, health workers including 1,817 house-to-house vaccinators have been trained earlier by developing partners including UNICEF, Rotary International, Bill and Melinda Gates in conjunction with Borno State government for the exercise.

The exercise which took off in six high risk local government areas of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Monguno, Gubio, Mafa, Konduga and Jere have been largely successful.

Four children were hit by Wild polio virus in Borno in July and August 2017.