FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – The Nasarawa state Primary Health Care Development Agency (NAPHDA) has strengthened its collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) through a Social Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC) initiative aimed at eradicating poliovirus in the state.
Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr. Iskilu Usman, disclosed this on Wednesday in his office in Lafia, during a meeting with the newly appointed UNICEF SBC consultant, Mr. Samuel Sesay.
Sesay has been deployed to assist the state in adopting effective behavioral change strategies to boost vaccine uptake among children across Nasarawa state.
Saleh explained that the agency would build a stronger collaboration with UNICEF on a social behavioral change communication initiative aimed at eradicating poliovirus in the state.
Dr. Saleh noted that, given the level of commitment and attention being accorded primary healthcare delivery by the Nasarawa state government, the goal of achieving zero-polio cases in the state is within reach.
He expressed optimism on the state government’s determination to address the issues of zero-dose vaccination cases reported in the Lafia and Nasarawa local government areas.
“We have documented two zero-dose cases in Lafia and Nasarawa; therefore, we have declared a state of emergency in these areas,” he said.
He further explained that plans have been concluded to establish additional health posts within communities to reduce barriers associated with distance, stressing that the initiative would significantly address the challenges faced by mothers in accessing routine immunization services.
He, therefore, commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for the recruitment of more healthcare workers and the renovation of health facilities across the state, saying these has significantly improved the quality of primary healthcare services, particularly in immunization programmes.
Signed
ARI, LIMAN AMINU.
HEAD OF CENTRE,
FIC, LAFIA.
