Health Workers Halt Strike, To Join Polio Vaccination Exercise

By: Prudence Okonna

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) , and the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria, (MHWUN), FCT chapter have halted on-going strike for ten days to allow members participate in the upcoming vaccination exercise in the Territory.

Speaking on behalf of the Unions, the Chairman of NANNM, FCT, Jama Medan disclosed this to Abuja Digest in an exclusive interview.

Medan explained that the workers would be permitted to participate in the 10-day exercise, while also granting access to the immunisation materials and cold chain equipment in the primary healthcare facilities.

He directed that all PHCs be opened to give vaccinators access to cold chain equipment and other essential materials needed for the campaign.

His words: “We agreed that all our members who may be needed for the vaccination exercise should come out to implement the vaccination. We also agree they should open the PHCs to remove the materials and allow them access”.

Medan, however, maintained that the strike is not being called off, but rather paused for ten days to support the immunisation exercise.

“Do not misquote me. We are not calling off the strike, the vaccination exercise will last only for ten days,” he added.

The Chairman said that the decision was to ensure innocent children do not become victims of circumstance.

According to him, the purpose of halting the strike for only ten days is to ensure that children requiring the vaccination are not denied what is beneficial to their health.