The Yobe State Government has confirmed four new polio cases in three local government areas, three years after the state was declared polio-free. This was disclosed by Dr. Babagana Kundi-Machina, the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Board, during the launch of a polio vaccination campaign in Machina, a local government area bordering Niger Republic, on Saturday.
Dr. Kundi-Machina expressed concern over the reemergence of the disease, saying, "It is unfortunate that after being polio-free for three years, we are now facing an outbreak of the circulating polio virus in Bursari, Machina, and Yusufari LGAs." He added that the state government, along with its partners, has initiated a statewide vaccination drive to combat the outbreak.
The State Coordinator for the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Hamisu Alhassan, reassured the state of WHO’s full support in controlling the spread of the virus. He also urged the public to take preventive actions such as practicing personal and environmental hygiene, washing hands regularly, and ensuring immunization to protect vulnerable groups, especially women and children.
Alhaji Bashir Machinama, the Emir of Machina, called on his community to cooperate with the vaccination efforts, stressing the importance of accepting the vaccine. He commended the state government's swift response and pledged to raise awareness in his community to help contain the disease.
This response comes as health authorities work to prevent further spread of the virus and restore Yobe's polio-free status.
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