News reaching ViewPointNigeria indicates that some communities in Jos North Local Government Area have refused to participate in the on-going immunization exercise against polio, which commenced on the 28th of January.

The four-day immunization exercise was held in collaboration with the local government, World Health Organization, UNICEF and the Nigerian Rotary Club, to vaccinate children below the age of 5 years against polio and other killer diseases including hepatitis, measles, yellow fever and tetanus

While speaking to Newsmen, the Local Immunization Officer, Mrs Hannatu Davat said parents in the communities shunned the immunization officers, requesting for food instead of the vaccination.

Speaking, Mrs Davat said, “The local government has reported this development to the Plateau State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), who have promised to ensure that no doctor rejects any polio vaccines meant for children.

“One of the doctors mentioned Mumps as one of the diseases being neglected, and described it as a serious disease which the government hardly worry about.”

ViewPointNigeria reports that the local government had set up a social mobilization team that was moving through affected communities to sensitize them on the importance of taking the vaccines.

Davat said, “Based on such efforts, some of the communities have changed their initial stance and are ready to bring their children, but others have remained adamant”.

Mrs Davat who refused to name the specific communities, however, revealed that three wards were involved.

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Communities in Jos North LGA of Plateau State reject Polio vaccine