In its efforts to boost awareness about immunisation in the rural communities, the Niger State Ministry of Health, UNICEF, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in conjunction with Niger State Planning Commission have organised an inter-ward football competition to commemorate the 2024 World Polio Day in the state.

The football competition was held simultaneously in six local councils of 48 wards in the state with low immunisation coverage.

The council areas include Suleja, Tafa, Chanchaga, Borgu, Bosso and Mashegu.

The Director, Economic Cooperation and Development, Niger State Planning Commission, Yuhuza Abdullahi, lauded the state government for prioritising the health needs of the citizens across the nooks and crannies of the state.

“Niger State government is investing reasonable resources so as to provide basic amenities as well as healthcare needs of the people,” he said.

He stressed that the football initiative is an avenue to sensitise the people on the importance of immunisation, antenatal care for pregnant women, child protection and nutrition among others.

The director hinted that so far, eight wards have been pinned down from each of the six local councils as a result of their low immunisation coverage rates, saying that by engaging youths in football, it would go a long way to inspire them to champion health causes in their local communities.

Earlier, the Niger State Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr. Ahmed Ibrahim Dangana, explained that the football competition was part of activities to commemorate World Polio Day.