Sokoto State: NGO to immunize 20,000 children

An NGO, Sightsavers to commenced the immunization of 20,000 children in Wamakko local Government Area in Sokoto state as part of it’s effort to reduce child mortality rate.

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The State Programme Officer, Mr Muhammad Rilwan, stated this at the inauguration of the 5-day exercise in Kalambaina community.

“Children from one to 11 months would be administered with Azithromycin vaccines.”

He said that Wamakko LGA was selected based on the needs assessment conducted, adding that Azithromycin is an effective antibiotic against childhood diseases such as pneumonia and miseales, among others.

Rilwanu said that the drug was tested and it was effective in preventing childhood diseases.

He explained that the state had recorded 25 per cent child mortality rate in the past, hence the need for the vaccination. The first and second rounds had been given to children using Wamakko as a pilot local government.

“We conducted the first and the second rounds of the use of the drug in this local government and the results were positive, hence the need for this third round.

“When the populacae is equipped with the right information, discarding rumours and misinformation, they will make the right decision.

“After now, we will shift our focus to the other 22 local governments,” he stated.

Rilwan urged traditional and religious leaders to educate members of their communities to understand the importance of the intervention for the benefit their people.

In his address, the State Immunization Officer, Mr Garba Bashar, thanked sightsavers for the benevolent gesture.

Bashar assured continuous government’s support to the NGO’s activities, adding that the organization is delivering meaningful healthcare services to the people.

The Ward Head of Kalambaina, Alhaji Wadata Ilo, commended the donor agency as well as governments for the house to house campaign and pledged traditional rulers’ sustained support.