Polio survivor urges parents to vaccinate children in Borno
A polio survivor, Adama Yerima, shared her personal story of living with the effects of polio since childhood. She described the challenges she faces daily, such as not being able to scratch her nose or walk unaided, and emphasized the importance of vaccination. Yerima delivered her message during a round-table dialogue organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund and the Borno State Primary Health Care Development Board. She called on parents to protect their children by ensuring they receive vaccines.
What we know
- Adama Yerima recounted her struggles with polio, highlighting the lifelong impact of the virus.
- She spoke at a media dialogue organised by UNICEF and the Borno State Primary Health Care Development Board as part of activities for the 2026 World Immunisation Week.
- Yerima urged parents not to fear vaccines, stressing that the real risk is leaving children unprotected against polio.
- She described vaccine drops as a "miracle" that saves lives, despite any bitterness or fear.
- The Borno State government, with support from UNICEF, has implemented strategies to vaccinate children in hard-to-reach and insurgency-affected areas.
