Niger govt reaches 7,000 previously unvaccinated children in three years-Commissioner primary health
From : Priscilla Dennis, Minna.
Niger State Government has disclosed that the tripatide Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between it and Global Alliance Initiative GAVI/UNICEF has resulted in immunization of over 7,000 previously unvaccinated children with life saving essential vaccines in the last three years in the state.
The state Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr. Ibrahim Dangana, disclosed this during the official close-out/handover ceremony of the GAVI/UNICEF-supported primary healthcare system in Minna said, these children had never received a single dose of vaccination before in the state.
“We have made significant progress in routine immunization, and we are committed to sustaining this momentum. This has demonstrated Governor Umaru Bago’s commitment to the healthcare sector” he said.
Dr. Dangana noted that the state government has employed 1,300 new health workers and absorbed 396 ad-hoc staff into the state ministry of health as permanent staffers.
The commissioner noted that there’ has been a significant increase in women willingly seeking family planning services which enables them to plan their families more effectively, having children when they are ready and not due to unintended circumstances.
Jiya Tsado, Director, Food and Drugs and Project Manager of the State Emergency Routine Immunisation Coordination Centre (SERICC), disclosed that the state has also exceeded national targets in key areas, including Penta-3 vaccine coverage, which reached 112.1%, surpassing the national target of 85%.
The Director SERICO also stated that aside that, service delivery of skilled attendance for women who have given birth also reached 92%, exceeding the national target of 80%.
Earlier, Anu John, Planning Specialist Health Team, Abuja, representing Global Alliance Vaccination (GAVI) and UNICEF, commended the state’s progress, urging the government to sustain efforts to maintain the momentum and achieve universal health coverage.
The planning health specialist emphasized the need for adequate funding and support for the primary healthcare system such as providing sufficient resources to maintain the momentum of initiatives like the employment of 1,300 healthcare workers.
John said, ” Niger State has made significant progress, but there is still much work to be done to reach the national average”
“We also urge the state government to ensure that the primary healthcare system receives adequate funding and support to maintain the gains made so far.”
End.
