The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has commenced vaccination of 2024 intending pilgrims against polio, memingitis, diptheria and yellow fever in Kebbi.
Flagging-off the exercise at Dr Nasir Idris Hajj Camp in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday, Dr Sa’id Ahmad, Head of Medical Team for 2024 Hajj, said the vaccines were mandatory on all prospective pilgrims.
Ahmad, who represents the Federal Ministry of Health and Board of Management of NAHCON, said: “I am here in Kebbi to kick-start the vaccination exercise and ensure that all intending pilgrims are fully immunised in line with the Saudi Arabia Government’s requirements.
“This vaccination is very apt considering the fact that the first inaugural flight will depart Nigeria on 15th of this month. Therefore, the need to put this in place is very necessary.
“That’s why we are here in Kebbi to ensure that the yellow cards written by the federal ministry of health is handed over to the pilgrims and the vaccines procured by the same ministry given to the states is actually used.”
He said the essence of the exercise was to ensure that no more fake yellow cards, as the cards would be digitised to ensure adequate immunity was conferred on the intending pilgrims.
Ahmad said it was observed over the years that the mortality being recorded in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia may not be unconnected to respiratory track infection.
“Therefore, administering vaccines like influenza will go a long way in reducing the mortality associated with infections during the Hajj circle,” he said.
The team lead expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation in the public health aspect in Kebbi, adding that the state pilgrims board was up and doing and the intending pilgrims were willing and eager to receive the vaccines.
“I must commend the Executive Chairman of NAHCON for being on top of situation, working round the clock to ensure that everything is in place and also the Kebbi State Governor for demonstrating what he has done to ensure the success of the entire Hajj exercise.
“I am the first person to receive the vaccines here in Kebbi, while the Executive Chairman of the State Pilgrims Board also received his own. This is to demonstrate that the vaccines are safe and not harmful to anyone,” he assured.
In his speech, the Executive Chairman, Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu-Enabo appreciated NAHCON and the National Medical Team for doing everything possible to ensure the success of the exercise.
Aliyu-Enabo thanked the state governor, Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, for providing the board with all it required towards the success of the inaugural flight from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia.
While urging all the prospective pilgrims from Kebbi to take the vaccine, the executive chairman assured that it was not harmful but meant to give them immunity.
He expressed satisfaction with the level of recognition accorded to Kebbi in all aspects of Hajj operations.
