Volunteering for Immunization

This story from the series "The Human Face of Polio" describes the work and the effect of recognition of individuals involved in Local Government Area (LGA) Village Health Committees (VHC) in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The article names their achievements and the reasons for progress related to immunisation campaigns.

The strategy used by 96 year-old Alhaji Mohammed Indene Abdullahi is one that includes house-to-house visits to promote greater access to routine immunisation services by his people. Abdullahi, a traditional ruler, has continued his work after his retirement from service as a public health worker, inspired by the fact that he is recognised and "that his is the first port of call in any activity by government or other stakeholders."

The article describes VHC recognition efforts in Wamba, such as delegation visits of partner agencies in the immunisation health programme, plans for a model health centre, and award recognition of top performing VHCs in routine immunisation (RI). "The effect of such recognition is obvious: the Emir of Wamba, Alhaji Musa Nagogo and the council chairman now want to ensure better funding, and the eventual ownership of immunization activities."


Further, the success of the VHCs of Wamba, as stated here, is attributed to communal spirit and volunteerism - including self-funding of projects, and acting promptly to reach people regardless of weather or distance.