Religious Leader from Nigeria on Polio [Photo Profile]

This single-page profile from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative is part interview, part informational bulletin. Traditional leader Sheikh Dahiru of Bauchi State, Nigeria was interviewed at the inaugural 'Niger-Nigeria Traditional & Religious Leaders Meeting on Polio Eradication', held in Niger from 17-18 April 2004, with the participation of over 80 traditional and religious Leaders. The Sheikh is quoted as saying that he was very happy to be participating in this meeting and provided insight into the importance of religious leaders such as himself in the campaign to eradicate polio. He noted that religious leaders, "are always in touch with our people, whether they live in cities or in villages. We talk with them in person, in groups and we also do many interviews, on radio, on television, in the newspapers." He asks for the cooperation of the media in discontinuing the circulation of rumours about vaccine safety and asks that they all participate in the campaign to eradicate polio. The pamphlet closes with two sections, one presenting recent incidence rates for Nigeria/Niger border area and the other regarding details of the upcoming regional campaign.