The Jigawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (JSPHCDA) says over 1.6 million children will be immunised against polio in the first round of 2018 immunisation campaign across the state.

Dr Kabiru Ibrahim, the Executive Secretary of the agency, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse on Thursday.

Ibrahim said that enough personnel had been engaged to conduct the exercise simultaneously across the 27 local government areas in order to ensure that all children under five years are immunised against the disease.

 All necessary arrangements have been concluded for the smooth conduct of the exercise as the Federal Government has provided the agency with enough Oral Polio Vaccines (OPVs) and markers, he added.

Ibrahim called for the support and cooperation of traditional and religious leaders as well as other stakeholders’ for successful conduct of the exercise.

He urged parents to make their children available for the immunisation at designated centres in their respective communities.

“People should please cooperate with immunisation officials for a hitch-free exercise.

“Such cooperation will facilitate quick response in combating the disease and address other emergency situations in the state,” he added.

The 2018 first round of polio immunisation will commence on  Jan. 20.