NAN-HG-2
Polio
By Martha Agas
Jos, Sept. 14, 2016 (NAN) The emir of Kanam in Plateau, Alhaji Mohammed Muazu II, has advocated community ownership of polio immunisation to ensure effective eradication of the disease from the country.
The emir made the call on Wednesday in Jos in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The traditional ruler, who made reference to the re-surgence of polio in Goza, Jere and Mongono LGAs of Borno, expressed concern over the wrong notion held by some people about immunisation.
“We have received various comments that some people perceive polio immunisation as money spinner.
“They have the notion that large funds are voted for the exercise annually and there is no compulsion to participate in it since another opportunity will come every year,’’ he said.
Muazu stressed the need to enlighten the public to correct the wrong notion that funds meant for immunisation were for personal use and not for the exercise.
He said that since mothers were more receptive to immunising their children, traditional rulers’ council in the north plans to use them gain access to and immunise their children.
“ We have noted that the mothers can be used as avenues to change the impression of their husbands against polio vaccination, especially in Muslim community.
“We intend to use donation of food items and presentation of household items to attract mothers to bring out their children for immunisation.
“We may have to add subtle coercion if persuasion and cajoling did not yield the desirable results.
“ The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps will be engaged for the exercise and palace guards, as symbols of traditional institution, will be stationed at strategic locations during the exercsise,’’ he said. (NAN)
MA/DUA/AEA
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Edited by Dada Ahmed and Controlled by
Archibong Asuquo