The Sokoto State Government has issued a stern warning to parents and guardians in the state against the rejection of the polio vaccine for their children. The government emphasized the critical importance of immunization in protecting children from the crippling effects of poliovirus and urged all stakeholders to support efforts to ensure every child is vaccinated.
The warning comes in response to increasing cases of vaccine hesitancy among some parents, which has contributed to a slowdown in the state's polio eradication efforts. The government reiterated that polio, a highly contagious virus, can lead to lifelong paralysis or even death, and vaccination remains the most effective means of prevention.
In a statement, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bashir Umar, highlighted that Sokoto State has made significant progress in the fight against polio, with the last reported case being several years ago. However, he cautioned that any lapse in vaccination efforts could reverse these gains and put children at risk.
"Polio is not just a health threat; it is an economic and social burden. By rejecting the vaccine, parents not only endanger their children's lives but also undermine years of hard work aimed at eradicating this deadly disease," Dr. Umar said.
The government has called for greater community engagement and collaboration with local leaders, religious organizations, and health workers to ensure widespread acceptance of the vaccine. They urged parents to trust the health professionals and scientific evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.