Immunisation: AMAC threatens to sanction erring traditional rulers

Immunisation: AMAC threatens to sanction erring traditional rulers
NAN-HG-1
Polio
By Mustapha Sumaila
Abuja, Jan. 19, 2018 (NAN) Alhaji Abdullahi Candido, the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), has threatened to sanction traditiona ruler who fails support routine immunisation campaigns in the area.
Candido issued the threat at the flag-off of Sub-National Immunisation Plus Day at Jiwa in Abuja on Friday.
He also said any ward or village head who fails to monitor the January round immunisation against polio, which kicks off on Saturday, would incur the wrath of government.
He explained that any traditional ruler or title holder in the area council who fails to cooperate with the team of vaccinators in their respective domains would be punished accordingly.
According to him, every village or district head in the area council must monitor and supervise the process to ensure compliance by residents.
Candido urged residents especially those at the grass roots to imbibe culture of good personal hygiene to prevent diseases.
He also enjoined the people to desist from open defecation and indiscriminate waste disposal in their environment because these are likely to cause serious illnesses.
“As government, we shall continue to provide all the necessary support and partners with relevant agencies to ensure the success of this laudable programme.
“I wish to call on all parents and guardians to make their children and wards available for the vaccination.
“I will like all the traditional rulers, elected councillors, women, youth leaders and community leaders not to relent in their efforts in the fight against this communicable disease,” he said.
Dr Mathew Ashikeni , the Acting Executive Secretary of the FCT Primary Health Care Development Board, also urged various stakeholders to mobilise parents to bring out their children for the success of the exercise.
Ashikeni said that Jan. 20 to 23 had been scheduled for first round vaccination against polio and 900,000 children are targeted to be immunised in the territory.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that development partners such as WHO, UNICEF and Rotary Club pledged their support in ensuring the success of the exercise. (NAN)
MS/BOLA/MST
Edited by Bola Akingbehin/Muhammad Suleiman Tola