?Traditional Rulers from the 19 Northern States of Nigeria are to meet in Kebbi State to find ways of eradicating Polio in the concerned States.
Speaking on the need for the meeting, the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Ado Jimada Gana Muhammad, said that in 2011, 60 cases were recorded in Nigeria despite all efforts to eradicate the menace of the disease.
He compared Nigeria with India which, despite the high population of about 1.2 billion, has successfully eradicated Polio.
Dr Ado expressed dissatisfaction over the high maternal mortality rate in the country when compared to some smaller countries and noted that the International community was getting restless with Nigeria over the issue of polio.
He thanked the Kebbi State for its commitment to the eradication of polio in the State, most especially when it comes to paying the allowances of the workers.
? In his respond, Governor Dakingari expressed appreciation for the role being played by both traditional and religious leaders in the fight against polio scourge.
Dakingari said the issue of polio by now was supposed to be a story if not for the carelessness of people. If they do what they are supposed to do by now there would be no case of polio by now. He renewed the call for total commitment from all in order to eradicate the polio menace in the Country.
? He advised the stake holders on polio eradication to address the? issue holistically by also providing basic amenities to people.?
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The Chairman Northern traditional leaders Committee on polio eradication, Emir of Dikwa, Alhaji Kyari Umar El-kanemi and the Emir of Argungu, the Chairman Task force on Polio eradication programme in Kebbi State has express their commitment to ensure that Nigeria joined the free polio countries as promised.