Zulum Directs 27 LGA Chairmen to Scale Up Immunisation Campaign
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has directed chairmen of all the 27 Local Government Areas to scale up awareness campaign on routine immunisation, including In-Between Rounds and Integrated Measles immunisation.
He also requested the traditional rulers to intensify the sensitisation of their subjects on the importance of immunisation particularly on polio and other preventable diseases.
The governor gave the directive on Thursday in Maiduguri during a strategic meeting and update on Primary Healthcare activities with traditional rulers led by Shehu of Borno, the state Chairman of Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) and development partners.
“I hereby direct all the local government chairmen to step up campaign on Routine Immunisation. In-Between Rounds and other campaigns must be carried out across the state. Let me also emphasise that attending evening review meetings is compulsory for all LGA Chairmen,” Zulum stated.
Governor Zulum expressed his administration’s commitment to partnering relevant stakeholders to ensure effective immunisation coverage and other services across the state.
“We are aware that the tripartite agreement between Aliko Dangote Foundation, Bill and Melinda Foundation and the state has ended in December 2024, however, I want to assure you that Borno State government will ensure sustainability of all the activities being carried out.
“All our counterpart funding have been paid, we are upto date. I want to assure you that we will provide all the needed support and political will to ensure effective and efficient healthcare delivery system to the people.”
The governor pledged adequate security to ensure full immunisation coverage in hard-to-reach-areas.
Zulum said the state has recorded milestone with the sponsorship of 1,400 indigent students to study nursing and midwifery, announcing that 500 would graduate by the end of the year to provide the required health services to communities.
During the meeting, the Executive Secretary, State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Prof. Mohammed Arab Alhaji briefed the participants on the ongoing immunisation programmes and the PHC Leadership Challenge Fund set up to improve PHC services by promoting acaccountability and measurable improvement in performance and health outcomes.
Prof. Alhaji called for improved security especially in hard-to-reach-communities, intensification of support to resolve cases of non-compliance to Polio and other immunisations.
He also sought for the strengthening of Evening Review Meetings by LGA Chairmen and injecting appropriate measures to stop misuse of Ready To Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) meant for malnourished children.
“I want to appreciate His Excellency for the prompt payment of counterpart funds, provision of drugs and other consumables at the PHCs, absorption of 859 health workforce, infrastructure among others,” he said.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr Umar Usman Kadafur, who is also the Chairman State Taskforce on Immunisation and other Primary Healthcare activities; Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi; Shehu of Dikwa and Bama; Emirs of Biu, Askira Uba, Gwoza, Shani and Uba; Secretary to the State Government; Acting Chief of Staff; Commissioners of Health, Local Government and Emirate Affairs, and development partners.
