UNICEF To Support Zamfara Govt. To Immunise 1.2 Million Children Against Measles

UNICEF says it will partner the Zamfara State Government in the immunisation of no fewer than 1.27 million children in the state between Nov. 21 and Nov. 25.

Dr Usman Nakakana, the UNICEF consultant on measles in the state, disclosed this on Friday during an awareness meeting on measles with journalists in Gusau.

He said that unlike in the past when the vaccines were administered on children from house-to-house, the state committee against measles had selected designated immunisation points across the state for the exercise.

The consultant said that mothers would be expected to bring their children who fell between the ages of nine months and five years to the designated points for immunisation.

He said, “in 2013, only about 74 per cent of children in the state were immunised against measles,’’ but expressed confidence that over 90 per cent success would be achieved this time.

Nakakana said that through UNICEF support and renewed commitment from the government, the committee intended to adopt strategies used against polio in the country to effectively eliminate measles in the state.

He urged journalists in the state to support the campaign against measles by using the media to sensitise the public of its danger to children.

He then commended the efforts of the state government and UNICEF in the drive to rid Nigeria of measles.