‘Nomadism, insecurity hindering polio eradication in Nigeria’

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has identified nomadism, insecurity and low routine immunisation coverage as factors hindering polio eradication in Nigeria.

Chief of Health, UNICEF Sokoto Field Office, Dr Shamina Sharmin, made the disclosure yesterday in Bauchi, while speaking during the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee meeting to review activities of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.

The gathering was attended by leader of the committee, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the host and Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, and other traditional leaders from the 19 northern states.

Speaking on polio eradication, the UNICEF Chief of Health clarified that traditional leaders have played important roles in the fight against the disease, stating: “I applaud our royal fathers for being a significant part of writing the unique story of Nigeria in the fight to eradicate the Wild Polio Virus.”