FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – Nasarawa state government has been identified as the best in the health sector indicators by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The World Health Organization Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, made this known while delivering a goodwill message during the flagging off of the 2024 integrated supplemental immunization campaign in Nasarawa State, held at the palace of the Aren Eggon, in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area recently.
The WHO country representative, who was represented at the event by Dr. Bosede Ezekwe, Nasarawa State Coordinator of the world agency, attributed the successes recorded in the state’s health sector to the leadership and commitment provided by Governor Abdullahi Sule, as well as the people of the state.
He reiterated that when it comes to immunization, Nasarawa State has always been on top, stressing that Governor Sule’s hard work and support for the health sector explains why it is only Nasarawa State out of the entire 36 states and Abuja, is able to implement the integrated supplemental immunization on schedule.
Mulombo used the opportunity to encourage the people of the state to bring out their children in order to be vaccinated, affirming that the vaccine is safe, effective and the best form of defense to give the child.
He pledged continued technical and financial support for the immunization campaign, adding that WHO is entrusted with $35, 000 to support the exercise, as well as UNICEF and other partners.
Governor Abdullahi Sule while flagging off the supplemental integrated immunization, said that this year’s campaign is holistic, considering that it is not about immunization but a deliberate approach to combine multiple and integrated health interventions in the exercise.
“I am happy to inform you that we are also administering vaccines such as measles vaccines, HPV vaccines, yellow fever vaccines, hepatitis B and C vaccines and tuberculosis vaccines amongst others. The essence is to address immunity gaps of our children and to reduce incidences of zero doze children in the state,” he said.
The Governor pointed out that, in carrying out this exercise, the immunization team will be going from house to house, market places, schools, playgrounds, worship canters among others to vaccinate eligible children starting from Saturday, 26th October, 2024.
Governor Sule emphasized that the vaccine is safe as was confirmed by the WHO and free.
He therefore, charged political, religious and traditional leaders across the state to champion the integrated supplemental immunization cause and make Nasarawa State and Nigeria free from the scourge of vaccines preventable diseases.
The Governor used the opportunity to appreciate development partners, especially the WHO and UNICE for their support and collaboration in achieving universal health coverage in comprehensive child health.
“I must emphasize that our vision is for the future of our children who sometimes die from preventable diseases where every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive, where our communities are resilient and healthy. This is not a dream. It is within our reach,” he stated.
He equally commended the state health workers for their relentless efforts in delivering medical services to the people, extolling their enthusiasm, patriotism and sacrifices, which he said, will continue to improve the quality of life of the people.
Governor Sule reiterated the commitment of his administration to continue to accord priority attention to the welfare of workers, particularly the health workers as well as approved the hazard allowances for all categories of health workers in addition to the absorption of 1700 voluntary health workers into the state payroll to meet up with the manpower need of our health sector to achieve effective and efficient service delivery.
Also in a goodwill message, Dr Gaza Gwamna, Nasarawa State Commissioner of Health, explained that Nasarawa is the only state in the country implementing the integrated supplemental immunization because it is the only state made available the necessary counterpart funding.
Gwamna commended Governor Sule for demonstrating unparalleled political will to reposition the state’s health sector, adding that the administration has done a lot and is still doing more.
SOLOMON MUNDUNNG
AEO (Information)
Edited By
Ari, Liman Aminu
HEAD OF CENTRE,
FIC, LAFIA.
