http://allafrica.com/stories/200306110199.html

Growing Skepticism Bane of Polio Eradication - Unicef Rep

Daily Trust (Abuja)

June 11, 2003
Posted to the web June 11, 2003

Hassan A. Karofi
Dutse

The growing skepticism about polio vaccines and allegation of conspiracy against international donor agencies by Nigerians have been identified as the greatest obstacle to the eradication of polio virus in the country, UNICEF's Country Representative, Dr. Ezio Gianni Murzi, told Daily Trust in Dutse.

Dr. Murzi, who was in the state to rub minds with Governor Saminu Turaki of Jigawa State on ways to eradicate the polio virus, said this trend posed a great danger to the organisation in its effort to ensure a polio free country.

He said effort would be intensified to fight skepticism against polio vaccines and ensure the successful eradication of the virus by the beginning of 2004.

Dr. Murzi, who said the highly epidemic states include Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi, Kaduna and Gombe, added that with good planning and commitment on the part of all stakeholders, a sustained micro-planning effort could stop and totally eradicate the virus.

He added that although these states were identified as high reservoir of the virus, there has been an appreciable decrease in cases of polio virus.

While denouncing any conspiracy against Nigerian people, the UNICEF's country representative said about N140 million has been expended to ensure the success of the programme this year.

He revealed that the vaccines used are manufactured in France, Italy and Indonesia.

While calling on parents to allow their children to be vaccinated, the representative said the next vaccination exercise will hold between October and November this year.

Dr. Murzi further revealed that UNICEF was committed to the eradication of viruses that affect the health of Nigerians and would continue with its efforts until diseases ravaging various communities in the country are eradicated.

Earlier at the governor's chambers, the UNICEF representative said his visit was to find ways of cooperating with the state on the eradication of polio virus and to advocate a more concerted effort at achieving the target of the organisation.

He also revealed UNICEF's readiness to assist in the education sector, especially in accelerating actions to attain parity in girl/boy enrolment.

Responding, Governor Turaki, represented by his deputy, Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, declared government's commitment to the eradication of the virus.

He, however, frowned at the inability of vaccines to reach target users when released.

The deputy governor thanked UNICEF for its effort towards eradicating polio in the country.