Mom Has Helped Vaccinate More Than 95 Percent Of Kids In Her Area

Zubair’s efforts have proven successful due to way she strategically identifies families in need and the way she relates to each one.

Gaya presents its own set of challenges since nomads, known as Fulani, descend intermittently on the town for its life-supporting water bodies. Fulani children were often missed during polio rounds due to their capricious movements, according to UNICEF.

To ensure these kids are included in the vaccination efforts, Fulani leaders now call upon Zubair whenever a new group moves in and she immediately visits the new settlers with her vaccination team.

Zubair also works with each family to understand their individual concerns and issues.

“When I go to [a] community and try to convince them to let their children get vaccinated against polio, they tell me their other problems that for them are more pressing and present,” Zubair told UNICEF. “I cannot turn a blind eye to their sufferings and work with them to find local solutions.”

Since 1988, the number of polio cases has decreased worldwide by more than 99 percent and the disease remains endemic in only two countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

But advocates warn that even in countries, like Nigeria, where there’s been tremendous success, health advocates can’t afford to let their guard down. 

“Nigeria has made remarkable progress against polio, but continued vigilance is needed to protect these gains and ensure that polio does not return,” WHO said in a statement in September. “Immunization and surveillance activities must continue to rapidly detect a potential re-introduction or re-emergence of the virus.”

 

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