Emir mobilises parents to embrace Polio immunisation

Alhajj Muhammad Bashar, the Emir of Gwandu and Chairman of Kebbi State Council of Chiefs, has called on parents to ensure their children were immunised in the current polio campaign in the state.

The traditional ruler made the call during the Immunisation Plus Days Flag Off Ceremony (IPD) ceremony in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.

He said unless parents bring out their children for polio immunisation, the society stood the risk of resurgence of the virus.

“All hands must be on deck to maintain and consolidate on gains recorded to completely wipe out polio in the country.

‘“Polio is a very dangerous virus. I call on parents to use this opportunity to bring their children for polio immunisation and other child killer diseases. I also urge you to maintain a clean environment at all times.”

The monarch directed all district and village heads under his emirate to also mobilise their subjects for the polio exercise.

He commended WHO and UNICEF for their support towards promoting the health status of the people in the state.

The state Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Umar Kambaza, had earlier said that the state government attached great importance to the health of people, especially children.

According to him, similar polio campaign is taking place in all the emirates of other states.

He thanked the traditional and religious leaders for their unrelenting support and cooperation in the fight against the disease.