…Governor Sule Launches Integrated Immunization Campaign
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, has identified Nasarawa State as having the best health sector indicators in the country.
Mulombo made this known while delivering a goodwill message during the flagging off of the 2024 integrated supplemental immunization campaign in Nasarawa State, which held at the palace of the Aren Eggon, in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area on Friday.
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.
Flagging off the integrated supplemental immunization activities at the Aren Eggon Palace, Governor Abdullahi Sule 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 centres 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.
While also appealing to parents and guardians to take the advantage of the opportunity to have your children vaccinated and receive other vital health services, he further urged them to also note that vaccines safes live.
“If you get your child vaccinated, you did not only protect the child but the entire community,” he said.
The Governor used the opportunity to appreciate development partners, especially the WHO and UNICEF.
“I express our deepest gratitude to you and we will continue to show appreciation for all that you have done for us. Your support and collaboration are indeed vital, and together, we can achieve the goal of universal health coverage and 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.
“It is for this reason that we have approved the payment of hazard allowances to all the categories of our health workers. This is in recognition of your dedication in the service of humanity. We have also absorbed 1700 voluntary health workers into the state payroll. This is to meet up with the manpower need of our health sector to achieve effective and efficient service delivery,” he added.
Also in a goodwill message, Dr Gaza Gwamna, Nasarawa State Commissioner of Health, exolained that Nasarawa is the only state in the country implementing the integrated supplemental immunization because it is the only state made available the necessary countepart 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 a lot.
“The health system, according to the WHO, has so many components. Each of these components the Governor has taken them head-on. And we are working on them. The infrastructure. Of recent so many approvals that we got, to see how to renovate and upgrade some of our general hospitals and PHCs.
“We have worked so well and among the states such that our drug supply management agency is one of the best. Our health insurance scheme is one of the best. In fact, now our tertiary health institution that is being moved from Lafia to Akwanga before now has been one of the best across the country. All these have happened in the past five years,” he stated.
Also in a vote of thanks, Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Eskilu Usman Saleh, appreciated Governor Sule for his unwavering commitment and support to the healthcare delivery to Nasarawa State citizens, particularly children.
Saleh equally appreciated the Aren Eggon, HRH Justice Ahmed Ubangari (rtd), community and religious leaders, both the JNI and CAN, caregivers and parents for their trust and cooperation, as well as media partners for amplifying the significance of the initiative.
