By; ADAM MUH’D, Gusau
The Zamfara State Government through the state Primary Health Care Board has sought for media to contribute in the fight against diphtheria and massive sensitization campaign against the dreaded disease.
The Executive Secretary, Zamfara Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Tukur Ismail made the pronouncement at a media engagement meeting held at state primary healthcare development board.
Zamfara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Funds (UNICEF), Chigari Foundation and Solina Foundation engaged media on the campaign drive against diphtheria disease.
“There is urgent need for the media to do rigorous enlightenment campaign and sensitization to make people know about the disease, its causes, sign and symptoms and preventive measures that could stop the spread of the disease in the state”. Dr. Tukur said
According to Dr. Tukur Isma’il, report released by NCDC shows that cases of diphtheria were found in some states of Nigeria, including Kano and Lagos, hence the need to get people sensitized on the deadly disease.
“Zamfara State has shares border with other states where cases of the disease were recorded and our people do travel to such states and could contract it if measures are not taken”. He said.
He described the media as a powerful weapon and partners in effecting change among people, calling on participants of the meeting to use their platforms and create awareness on the disease.
According to him, some signs and symptoms of diphtheria include, fever, cough, sneezing, swollen neck, red eyes, difficulty in breathing.
He further pointed out that one of the preventive measures includes ensuring three rounds vaccination for children under one, reporting suspected cases of the disease to LGA and State Disease Surveillance Notification Officers, avoid living in crowded environments to mention but a few.
Dr. Tukur commended the state Commissioner for Health, Hon Aliyu Abubakar MC Danmasanin Tsafe and Permanent Secretary, Pharm. Aliyu Maikiyo Maradun, for their swift response to the board in terms of emerging circumstances.
According to him, the state so far, hasn’t recorded a single case of diphtheria, hence the need to engage media on massive sensitization campaign to the public on the dangers of the disease .