January Round of OBR Polio Immunization ends in Sokoto with commitment to intensify campaign

The January Round of Outbreak Response on Polio (OBR) has ended in Sokoto with a state level debriefing by Management Support Teams members (MSTs) deployed to support the state.

Addressing the MSTs after the debriefing, Incident Manager (IM) of the Polio Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Sokoto Dr. Abdurrahman Ahmad said the objective of the exercise was to take stock of the OBR campaign in the selected 15 local government areas of the State as observed by the MSTs that were deployed to various the LGAs.

The IM said it is through the state level debrief that EOC can identify gaps, weaknesses, challenges, strength and best practices that will assist Sokoto in future planning of subsequent Polio eradication campaigns.

Dr. Abdurrahman also said the history of the ongoing fight against the polio virus in Sokoto State and the country at large will not be complete without mentioning the contributions of the MSTs in eradicating the polio scourge.

While commending the MSTs for supporting the State, the IM however solicits for more integrated supervision is subsequent rounds stressing that, “the challenges that you saw on field and you were able to resolve it there, then there is no need to bring up at EOC. But big issues that are beyond your capacity and is impeding implementation, should be quickly reported for necessary actions by the EOC”.

“One day soon, polio will be eradicated on the surface of the earth and we would all pat ourselves on the back as having contributed in the eradication process. Sokoto State is proud to have you here and we are looking forward to seeing you in future rounds of other campaigns”, he said.

Also appreciating the roles of the MSTs, the State team leader and Senior Field Coordinator of CDC-NSTOP/AFENET Sokoto , Hajiya Halimatu Bolatito, said besides ensuring that every eligible child is vaccinated, another key areas of concern is to identify gaps that can be remedied in order to enhance subsequent rounds.

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“We appreciate you and will call on you to always ensure that every child is vaccinated , especially in hard to reach areas. Also try and bring to our attention the gaps you have noticed on the field”, Bolatito appealed.

Our correspondent reports that 15 LGs in the state implemented the January Polio OBR campaign.

WikkiTimes reports that Sokoto state is among the worst hit by the polio various in Nigeria.

There have been reports of resistance on immunization by some parents in the state, but aid and development agencies have intensified campaigns to end the virus in the country.