Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ishola Michael
Published on 2024-03-02 06:51:46
The Gombe State Government has officially kicked off the 2024 campaign for National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs) in the state, aiming to reach a total of 981,710 children with vaccinations. This initiative comes in the wake of a devastating fire that ravaged the Central Medical Store, causing over N5 billion worth of drugs, vaccines, and medical supplies to be destroyed.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, in his address during the flag-off ceremony held in Nasarawo, Gombe Local Government Area, emphasized the importance of providing effective and efficient healthcare services as a key priority of his administration. Despite the challenges posed by the recent fire incident, the Governor expressed gratitude that the campaign was able to proceed as planned.
Since assuming office in May 2019, Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s administration has consistently prioritized health care, ensuring that all scheduled rounds of National Immunization and Vaccination exercises were carried out without any interruptions. Quoting notable figures such as Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, and Desiderius Erasmus, the Governor highlighted the importance of prevention in healthcare, particularly through immunization and vaccination.
The Commissioner of Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, commended the Governor’s resilience and contributions from development partners and the federal Ministry of Health in overcoming the challenges posed by the medical store fire. The campaign marks the beginning of the 2024 first quarter vaccination against Polio, with a target population of 981,710 individuals. Dr. Dahiru urged the public to take precautions against diseases like meningitis and ensure that their children receive the necessary vaccinations.
Dr. Abdulrahaman Shuaibu, represented by Dr. Maryam Abubakar, emphasized the importance of the National Immunization Plus Days in protecting children from Polio and commended the state government and partners for their efforts in ensuring the campaign’s success. The Executive Secretary of the State Primary HealthCare Development Agency reiterated the importance of vaccination in preventing diseases and called on parents to actively participate in the campaign.
During the event, Mai Kaltungo, Engineer Saleh Mohammed, praised the state government for prioritizing the health of its citizens and urged for further support for Ward Heads to contribute effectively to societal development. He also urged parents to bring their children for vaccination to ensure the success of the Polio campaign.
Dr. Faruk Ismail, representing the World Health Organization and other development partners, pledged continued support to the government in providing quality healthcare to the people. The occasion was further enriched by cultural displays and drama presentations by local groups, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Gombe State.
In conclusion, despite the challenges posed by the recent fire incident, the Gombe State Government remains committed to promoting healthcare and immunization services for the well-being of its residents. The successful launch of the NIPDs campaign underscores the government’s dedication to ensuring the health and safety of its populace.
Read the original article on Nigerian Tribune
