Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
In a bold reaffirmation of its commitment to eradicating polio, the Sokoto State Government pledged on Thursday to strengthen its vaccination campaigns and intensify oversight mechanisms to eliminate the virus from every corner of the state.
This declaration was made during a media dialogue held on Thursday with frontline journalists, One Primary Activists (OPAs), and influencers. The event, themed “Dosage of Good News,” served as a platform to review the progress and challenges of the Polio Outbreak Response (OBR) Round Two Campaign.
Addressing participants at the forum, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Hon. Umar Faruk Abubakar, emphasized the unwavering dedication of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration to the total eradication of polio. He reiterated the government’s commitment to sustaining a polio free Sokoto through coordinated vaccination drives and rigorous monitoring frameworks.
“Our administration maintains a zero tolerance policy on fake finger markings, vaccine misuse, and falsification of vaccination data,” the Commissioner stated. “We have instituted multiple oversight committees to ensure accountability and thoroughness in vaccination efforts statewide.”
He further noted that despite numerous obstacles, including insecurity due to banditry and insurgency in certain local government areas, health workers have continued to show remarkable courage and resilience. These workers, he said, are going above and beyond to ensure that vaccines reach all eligible children, even in remote communities.
The Commissioner acknowledged the physical barriers posed by underdeveloped road networks, which hamper access to some rural and hard to reach areas. Nonetheless, he assured that the government remains resolute in its mission, committed to deploying all available resources to overcome such limitations.
A key strategy in the ongoing campaign involves the active collaboration of traditional rulers, religious leaders, and security agencies. Their support has been instrumental in raising awareness, dispelling misinformation, and facilitating vaccine acceptance at the grassroots level.
Civil society organizations have also played a vital role in complementing government efforts. Through community mobilization, education, and advocacy, these groups continue to bridge the gap between health authorities and the public, making the vaccination process more inclusive and effective.
The media dialogue provided a vital platform for knowledge sharing and strengthening partnerships with stakeholders in the information sector. Participants were urged to use their platforms to promote accurate reporting and foster public trust in vaccination efforts.
Hon. Abubakar commended the media for its role in health promotion and called for continued collaboration to counter vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, which pose significant threats to public health.
He also highlighted the support of donor agencies and international health partners, whose contributions have been key to sustaining immunization campaigns and supplying vaccines and logistics across the state.
With political will, community engagement, and international support aligned, Sokoto State is making significant strides toward a future free from polio. The government’s proactive stance sends a clear message, that polio eradication is not only possible, but inevitable through collective action.
Sokoto’s campaign serves as a model for other states, demonstrating that determination, transparency, and collaboration can overcome even the most daunting public health challenges.
