Katsina to Immunize 3 Million Children Against Polio — SPHCA

The Katsina State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHCA) says it is targeting not less than 3 million children during the forthcoming polio immunization campaign scheduled for April 26 to 29.

The Executive Secretary, Dr. Shamsudeen Yahaya, said this at a media dialogue with UNICEF, Katsina State Government, and partners on polio and routine immunization, in Katsina.

He said that during the week, the world would also be celebrating routine immunization.

Yahaya added that the exercise was aimed at creating awareness of the importance of immunization in saving children from preventable deaths.

The Officer-in-Charge (OIC), who is also the Nutrition Manager, UNICEF Kano Field Office, Dr. Karanveer Singh in his remarks, stressed the need for immunizing every child from polio and other deadly diseases.

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He revealed that polio was highly infectious, warning, “once a child is infected with the virus, he or she is permanently paralysed.”

The officer explained that every round of immunization was important, likewise immunizing every child, until the virus was completely eradicated.

Singh said that immunization was the backbone of any eradication program, adding, “Hence the need for caregivers and other stakeholders to intensify efforts in ensuring that all children below five years are fully immunized.”