By Victoria Ojeme
KEBBI State has stepped up the pace and intensity of routine immunization of children against vaccine preventable disorders particularly against the backdrop of earlier controversy surrounding polio immunisation in parts of the country.

Kebbi was one of the six polio affected states where with high numbers of unimmunised children as a result of rejection of the oral polio vaccine.

The move may prove once and for all the importance of good communication strategies in the national quest for the complete eradication of the wild polio virus. Efforts of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and support from donor agencies contributed to swelling counterpart funding from states and local government to administer routine immunisation coverage of antigens, including the oral polio vaccine, diphtheria, pertusis, tetanus (DPT) vaccine, hepatitis AB vaccine, and yellow fever and tetanus toxiod vaccines.

Other activities that took place include administration of Vitamin A supplementation, de worming and health education, particularly with regards to healthy household practices like hand washing, exclusive breast feeding, care of the new born, complementary feeding, and family planning and birth registration.

Focal authority in the state conducted intensive public enlightenment in all the major languages, particularly in clusters of settler communities, where emphasis was on allaying the common fears about immunization

Earlier, during the National flag  off ceremony of the September 2011sub National Immunization Plus Days (SNIPDs) and launch of the Polio free Torch Campaign, President Goodluck Jonathan had described as unacceptable that 26 children in six states across the nation were confirmed to have been paralysed by polio.

The President said it was the responsibility of state governors, traditional and religious leaders to ensure that polio vaccine, made available freely by the federal government and the development partners, get to the children in their domain.

According to Executive Chairman Kebbi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KBSPHCDA) Dr Abubakar Koko, the situation was not beyond redemption, and the government was strivi we must strive to end it as a clear demonstration of love for our children.

“We are here today reiterating our commitment and determination, and we must end this polio challenge because it has become a thorn in our flesh, our children must be protected and given a future, and their future is our major concern as parents.

He said the state government released funds to ensure that polio is totally eradicated in the state with the aid of partners. In 2011, the local government witness 11 cases of polio, while five cases were recorded this year.