UNICEF commends Sultan Foundation as Zamfara records 10 new polio cases
By IBRAHIM KANOMA, Gusau
He commended the Sultan Foundation for its role in supporting polio eradication efforts, alongside other development partners.
The Zamfara State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, has confirmed the discovery of 10 new cases of polio across three local government areas of the state.
The Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Hussain Anka, disclosed this during a one-day media sensitization and dialogue on the polio vaccination campaign held in Gusau.
According to him, six cases were identified in Gummi Local Government Area, while Maru and Tsafe recorded two cases each.
Dr. Anka attributed the resurgence partly to the inaccessibility of some communities due to insecurity, which has hindered vaccination efforts. He stated that the state government has directed all local government authorities to work closely with security agencies to ensure full coverage of immunization exercises.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to eradicating polio, he noted that over 200 health workers involved in the campaign had been dismissed for various infractions in a bid to strengthen accountability.
He commended the Sultan Foundation for its role in supporting polio eradication efforts, alongside other development partners.
Dr. Anka emphasized that stakeholders, including religious and traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and both public and private schools, are actively engaged in ensuring no child is left unvaccinated.
To boost participation, he added that incentives have been introduced, with each vaccinated child receiving a packet of noodles to encourage both parents and children to take part in the exercise.
