7 polio cases discovered as Jigawa reiterates commitment to eradication.
Sunday, 25 December 2011
GOVERNOR Sule Lamido of Jigawa State has reiterated the state government’s commitment to the polio eradication campaign as seven cases of polio virus was discovered in the state.
Alhaji Lamido disclosed this while speaking at the launch of the polio-free torch campaign held in the state capital, Dutse.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Ahmad Mahmud, stated that the current insurgence of Wild Polio Virus (WPV) and Circulating Vaccine Polio Derived Virus (CVDPV) in the state was unfortunate and unacceptable to the fight to eradicate poliomyelitis not only in Jigawa State but also in the global community.
He said the state recorded a big score when it was adjudged a polio-free state between 2010 and 2011, noting that it was unfortunate that the virus reappeared in the second quarter of 2011.
“Nevertheless, the discovery of the new cases would not make us relent in our effort to ensure total eradication of polio in the state, the state government is all out to work hand-in-hand with all stakeholders and collaborators in the cause of eradicating the disease,” he stated.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Executive Director, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Ado J.E. Muhammad, said the new campaign for total eradication of poliomyeliaties is unique from the previous ones as new modalities and techniques were being put in place, which that would ensure the achievement of targets by the end of 2012.
He said that Jigawa State stands out as one of the states with highest burden of WPV by recording seven cases this year out of the 49 cases discovered all over Nigeria.
