Just as is been said that a stich in time saves nine, the Sokoto state government with support from international bodies, and development partners like the WHO, CDC and others have taken proactive measures to curb further outbreak of cholera in the State.
This measure, which saw to the introduction of Oral Cholera Vaccine is yeilding the desired results as just within 4 days into the campaign, vaccinators were able ro meet 79 percent of their targets.
Making this disclosure, the State Immunization Officer (SIO), Malam Bashar Garba from the Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SSPHDA)
=REASONS FOR THE OCV CAMPAIGN:
Bashar, who divulged that the Oral Cholera Vaccination (OCV) became imperative as a response to mitigate against Cholera outbreak recorded in parts of Sokoto State, affirmed however that, the OCV targeted two local government areas (Dange Shuni and Gorornyo) because of its persistent record of cholera outbreak.
“Whenever we have cholera, or any other outbreak, we do an epidemiology report and after the case have been confirmed, then it is reported to the ICG governing body which gives approval for us to go ahead and do the vaccination”. Bashar stated.
Talking on the targeted persons as well as the expected age brackets of those to be given the OCV from the two local government areas, Bashar disclosed that the target was 650,000 persons who must be between the ages of one to hundred years and above.
And on why the preference for Oral Vaccine, the Sokoto State Immunization Officer, Bashar reaffirmed that, it has several benefits ranging from practical and scientific to public health.
Continuing, Bashar said the OCV is easier to administer as it does not require needles thus making them painless especially for children, and also good for rural areas as it can be administered by non trained staff hence attracts lower cost and very effective at body’s entry point.
“Some infections diseases such as rotavirus, cholera and even polio amonsgt many others enters the body through the gut. And the oral vaccines is very effective in stimulating mucosal immunity in the intestines and throat thereby creating a concrete first line of defense at the point of pathogens invation attempt.
Other benefits of the OCV according to Bashar, include it’s ease in mass
vaccination campaigns especially during outbreaks and less harmful disposal.
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–AMAZING MASSIVE TURN OUT FOR THE OCV
Speaking on the rationale behind the massive turnout for OCV in the two local government areas, Bashar said they deployed lots of startegies such as intensified pre implementation campaign, engagement in advocacies and social mobilization to the rurals on the dangers of cholera diseases and why the should get vaccinated to be protected against it.
–WARNING AND APPEAL TO SOKOTO STATE
The State Immunization Officer, Bashar in his appeal to the entire State, task all and sundry to adhere strictly to
environmental sanitation and personal hygiene, adding cholera is a communicable diseases that can be transmit from one infected person to another.
“So, let us ensure we protect ourselves. We clean our environment and always drink very clean water. And where we do not have clean water, we can boil the water, add some chemicals to make it safe for drinking.
“And also, if a person falls sick having diarrhea or any other symptom, such a person should be taken to the nearest health facility so that they can have an urgent intervention”, Bashar submitted.
–TESTIMONIES FROM THE FIELD
The massive turnout in the Qu’ranic school of Malam Adamu Fajaldu of Kainwuri, Fajaldu village in Denge Shuni local government as awesome, as the over 200 Islamic pupils were enthusiastic about the OCV.
Their Qur’anic teacher, Malam Adamu in an interview with journalists assured that not only Islamic pupils but even his family and those within his domain always accept vaccination without hesitation.
The astonishing turn out was also witnessed in Sahabi Denge Model Primary school where 1,300 pupils cuting across primary 1-6 were seen rushing to get the vaccination.
The school with about 40 teaching staff, was in high sprit as they queued up for the vaccination when journalists visited with staff of the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF).
Speaking on how the have been able to encourage pupils to accept the vaccination because their parents were already sensitized, the Head Teacher of the School, Malam Ibrahim Shuaibu said asking the pupils to come out for the OCV was made easier for them because they have secured the consents of their parents.
The massive turn out was also witnessed in Shuni, Ruggar Gidado, Rikina and Wabebe Salau villages of Denge Shuni local government as well as Takakume, Sabon Garin Dole, Birjingo and Goronyo and Birjingo villages of Goronyo local government areas.
An elder in Takakume village of Gormoyo local government, Malam Muhammadu Idris Takakume said they remained forever grateful to both the State govmenment and all international partners for the consistent support in such health emergency situations.
Of spectacular surprise in Gormoyo was how adolescents were seen eager to collect the OCV and administer on themselves as well as their younger siblings, while chanting, “No to cholera and all communicable diseases and yes to vaccination”.
