By Ado Hassan,, Sokoto
For ranking tops with the highest incidences of measles in the country based on global data update, Unicef says it is targeting 22,246,668 across19 Northern states including the FCT.
Besides, no fewer than 2,800,007 are targeted for coverage across 17 southern states.
However, it is observed that there has been consistent recurrence of measles outbreaks in the region.
” Measles, meningitis and yellow fever outbreak even after campaigns are due largely to inactivity of states towards achieving set percentage coverage”, according to Malami Abubakar, a health educator at the Sokoto State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SSPHCDA) at a presentation in Sokoto during a UNICEF organised meeting /Training with the media- JAP (Journalists Against Polio).
Abubakar while giving a breakdown of upcoming activities said 22, 246,688 children between 9- 59 months are being targeted during the SIA in the region while the second dose of vaccine is targeted at 2,800,007 children of 15-23 months old in the southern part of the country.
Accordingly, he explained that for yellow fever PMVC, no fewer than 20,841,741 of 9months-44years old across Anambra, Ekiti, Katsina, Rivers and Borno states.
Similarly, for MenA phase 1 campaign which is expected to cover 11 high risk states in the north; Bauchi , Borno, Gone, Jigawa, Katsina and Kaduna will also include Benue, Sokoto, Zamfara, Taraba and Nassarawa accordingly.
The phase 2 he said which consist of 13 high and medium risk states hasAdamawa, Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Kebbi and Kogi. Others are: Enugu, Kwara, Niger, Oyo and Plateau respectively. While the phase 3 has 2 states of Kano ad Katsina to mention.
The 3 phases, is targeted at 26,553,452 with phases 1&3 for between 1-7years while phase 2 would cover children between 1-5 years respectively.
Meanwhile, the SSPHCDA official further said that the SIAs had made some remarkable inroads in advancing its course with the inauguration of a national steering committee, field guide and data tools(MSD & Integrated SIAs)reviewed, Integrated work plan developed and micro planning template pilot tested.
Other breakthroughs include national readiness assessments tool/dashboard activated, Engagement of consultants (Technical & C4D) and stakeholders consultative meeting held at the national level accordingly
