Sultan raises concern over disease outbreak in northern IDP camps
The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, has expressed worries over the health conditions of the Internally Displaced Persons in six northern states.
According to The PUNCH, the monarch expressed the concern during a meeting between northern traditional leaders and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency in Abuja on Thursday.
The Sultan explained that there was a need for states with IDP camps, such as Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, and Kastina, to take proactive measures to prevent outbreaks of diseases.
Abubakar said, “We have challenges ahead of us. We have about six states in the North with a high number of Internally Displaced Persons. We have tried to reach them, but we could not. We must work with the governors in these states so that we can reach them. If there is any outbreak of an epidemic, one person is enough to pass it around to the whole population in the IDP. This is a serious concern.”
The Federal Government had, however, said on Thursday that it would soon introduce the Human Papilloma Virus vaccine into the country’s immunisation schedule.
The Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, made this known at the second quarter review meeting with northern traditional leaders.
The PUNCH reported that HPV is a commonly transmitted infection that can lead to various health issues, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers.
According to Shuaib, “The introduction of HPV vaccines signifies our commitment to promoting preventive health care and empowering our population, especially our young generation, to live healthier lives. We recognise the immense value of prevention in reducing the burden on our health care system, sparing individuals from unnecessary suffering, and ultimately saving lives.
“Moreover, the introduction of HPV vaccines aligns with our broader goals of promoting equity and reducing health disparities. By ensuring access to these vaccines for all, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographical location, we can bridge the gap and protect vulnerable populations who are disproportionately affected by HPV-related diseases.”