The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Ramatu Aliyu, has flagged off the second round of polio vaccination in the territory.
The Minister said the exercise was part of the administration’s response to contain polio virus in the nation’s capital.
According to a statement on Monday by her Special Adviser on Media, Austine Elemue, the minister performed the exercise at the Area 2 Primary Healthcare Centre, Garki , Abuja and vaccinated two new born babies as the chief vaccinator.
She urged mothers to take the vaccination seriously and ensure proper hygiene.
The statement was titled, ‘Aliyu kicks off polio vaccination in FCT.’
The statement reads, “We urge all mothers to come out and vaccinate their babies, because we want polio to be kicked out or eradicated, and we want the status to be maintained.
“I know mothers are the most excited people in the world especially with a new born baby. However, follow all the processes as directed by medical personnel.
“Also be reminded that the COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over, therefore keep observing all the protocols by wearing your face mask and keeping physical distancing. I am happy you are all wearing your face mask, keep doing that even in market places.”
The minister assured stakeholders that FCT would participate in the October National Immunisation Plus Days when under five children in the FCT and the 36 states of the federation would have another opportunity to be vaccinated with the potent novel oral polio vaccine.
In his remarks, the acting Secretary of FCT Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Iwot Ndaeyo, said the first round was conducted in the five area councils of Abaji, Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Kuje and Kwali last month, August, 2021 and all are due for the second round in September.
He also stated that the first-round report showed Abaji, Kwali and Bwari performing well and passing the end process evaluation at first test, while Abuja Municipal and Kuje area councils had to undertake mop-up exercises to meet the required coverage and eventually passed the end process test.
