Sokoto — Sokoto State government has earmarked over one billion for immunization exercise against cerebra spinal meningitis in the state.

Special Adviser Primary Healthcare Development Agency for the state Comrade Ibrahim Jubrin disclosed this yesterday while speaking on the on-going immunization exercise against the disease.

He said the vaccination is free and meant for people from 0-29 years. The special adviser said over three million people were targeted for the exercise and that enough vaccines were available for it.

According to him, the exercise is being jointly carried out by state, federal and local governments as well as development partners. He called on people within the target group to ensure they come out for the exercise

The immunization exercise, which was flagged off in the state last Saturday, is to last for 10 days. Meanwhile, Sokoto State Commissioner for Health Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu said six separate committees were inaugurated to oversee the success of this year's immunization against cerebrum spinal meningitis in the state.

The committees include those of social mobilization, crisis management, crisis team, advocacy, media and capacity building committees.

He said the immunization would only be done at designated points and that the validation period of the vaccine is for 10 years.