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By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
As part of its mandate to support governments in fostering health security and strengthening health systems, the World Health Organization (WHO) engaged the Journalists Initiative on Immunization Against Polio (JAP) cultural troupe to work with the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board (SPHCB) in addressing OBR implementation challenges at very high-risk settlements.
“Through this innovation, JAP conducted local theater performances in Dutsen-Wai community, Kubau Local Government Area, focusing on hotspot settlements with high rates of noncompliance.
The performances attracted families and children, creating an opportunity for vaccinators to access and immunize children who had previously missed vaccination. This intervention resulted in the successful vaccination of 237 children, helping to reduce the number of zero-dose cases in the area.
Rakatse, one of the settlements in the community, had previously reported several cases of noncompliance before the vaccination exercise.
Sarkin Dutsen-Wai, Alhaji Idris Alhassan, commended WHO for its unwavering support to the SPHCB and its contributions to the overall activities of the Ministry of Health. He also encouraged parents to embrace immunization, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding their children’s health.
A local community member, Mrs. Binta Musa, shared her initial reluctance to vaccinate her children, admitting she had previously hidden them during immunization campaigns. However, after being sensitized during the event, she resolved to accept vaccines for her children in the future.
This initiative is part of WHO’s continued support to the Kaduna State Government in achieving the national goal of interrupting polio transmission in Nigeria. By implementing innovative strategies to reach noncompliant and zero-dose settlements, WHO remains committed to ensuring that no child is left unvaccinated
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