Health Expert calls for the engagement of Traditional leaders to eradicate polio.

Health Expert from Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development.
Alh. Nuru Ali Othman has recommended the needs for full participation of traditional leaders in the selection and posting of Ad-hoc staff on polio immunization in Toro Local Government.

Alh. Nuru Othman made the recommendation at a one day workshop organized by Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development in collaboration with Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board in Toro Local Government.

Alh. Nuhu Othman who is also the coordinator of the foundation said, traditional leaders as key stakeholder in the health sector are expected to play a vital role in the selection of Adhoc staff in the forthcoming polio immunization in line with the new strategic shift for NIPDs (OBR) to enhance optimal performance and ensure success of the exercise.

According to him, 2025 is expected to be the final chance for Nigeria to receive support from the donor Organizations, hence the need to put all hands on deck to eradicate polio in the country.

On the selection of team members, Nuru Othman directed the traditional leaders to work with Local Government officials to select team supervisors, vaccinators and community leaders based on the revised SOP team selection.

Earlier, the representative of State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Mr. Yaldam Joseph applauded traditional leaders in the area for supporting health activities at all the times.

According to her, the new shift would help the community leaders be part of any decision making and implementation of polio vaccination in their domain.

She added that the shift reduces non-compliance and enhance active participation by all members of the community.

In a welcome address, the representative of the Executive Chairman, Toro Local Government, Hon. Moh’d Kabir Usman, applauded Sultan Foundation for organizing the workshop and called for working synergy between the community leaders, health experts and the local government on the new shift.

In his remarks, the representative of Sarkin Yakin Bauchi, District Head of Lame, Alh. Abubakar Buhari appreciated Sultan Foundation for initiating the workshop and promise to do everything possible to champion polio and other immunization activities in the area.

He directed all village heads in the area to enlighten their hamlet heads on the new role so as to achieve the desired goal.