- NAHCON initiates vaccination of 2024 intending pilgrims against polio, meningitis, diphtheria, and yellow fever in Kebbi
- Dr. Sa’id Ahmad emphasizes mandatory vaccines for prospective pilgrims, ensuring immunity and preventing the use of fake yellow cards
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has initiated the vaccination of 2024, intending pilgrims against polio, meningitis, diphtheria, and yellow fever in Kebbi.
The vaccination campaign was inaugurated at the Dr. Nasir Idris Hajj Camp in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday by the Head of the Medical Team, Dr. Sa’id Ahmad. Dr. Ahmad emphasized the mandatory nature of the vaccines for all prospective pilgrims, under the directive of the Saudi Arabian government.
“The vaccination exercise is very timely, especially as the first inaugural flight is scheduled to depart Nigeria on May 15,” said Dr. Ahmad. He highlighted the importance of the vaccination campaign in preventing the use of fake yellow cards and ensuring adequate immunity for every intending pilgrim.
Dr. Ahmad also noted the significance of administering vaccines such as influenza to reduce mortality associated with infections during the Hajj pilgrimage.
The team lead expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation, particularly in terms of public health, in Kebbi State. He commended the State Pilgrims Welfare Board for their efforts and the willingness of pilgrims to receive the vaccines.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of the Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu-Enabo, expressed gratitude to NAHCON and the National Medical Team for their support in ensuring the success of the vaccination exercise. He thanked the state governor for providing the necessary resources for a smooth inaugural flight from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia.
Aliyu-Enabo urged all prospective pilgrims from Kebbi to take the vaccines, assuring them of their safety and importance in providing immunity.
The vaccination campaign initiated by NAHCON aims to ensure the health and safety of Nigerian pilgrims participating in the Hajj pilgrimage.