Report by Shindong Bala; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
Katsina State Government and Critical Stakeholders have Signed a Declaration towards Polio Eradication and strengthening Routine Immunization across the Thirty Four Local Areas of the State.
This was the highlight at a two-day Engagement Meeting organized by the Katsina State Primary Healthcare Agency in Collaboration with UNICEF for Local Government Chairmen, Health Secretaries and District Heads on Immunization and Health System Strengthening.
At the signing ceremony in Kaduna, the Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda said the government in the last two years have invested over ₦60 billion in the health sector.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Mallam Umar Faruk Lawal stressed commitment to eradicating Polio in the State.
“This meeting is a clear demonstration of our administration’s unwavering commitment to eradicating polio and strengthening the healthcare system. We recognize that success is only possible through collaboration and partnerships. That is why we continue to work closely with UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other development partners to achieve our health objectives.”
Governor Dikko Radda therefore urged all the local government leaders, community heads, and district officials—to promote polio eradication campaigns and routine immunization across all communities.
“I urge you all to engage actively, share your experiences, challenges, and innovative ideas that can help us build a more resilient health system. It is time for us to strategize differently and act decisively to achieve polio eradication in Katsina State. As leaders, we have the unique opportunity to mobilize our communities, champion health education, and support our dedicated healthcare workers. I encourage all of you—local government leaders, community heads, and district officials—to promote polio eradication campaigns and routine immunization across all communities.”
The Executive Secretary, Katsina State Primary Healthcare Agency, Dr. Shamsudeen Yahaya, emphasized that over the last two years, the state has witnessed remarkable transformations in healthcare delivery, particularly at the primary healthcare level.
He expressed firm commitment to strengthen immunization and ensure that polio is completely eradicated in Katsina state adding that the near 100 percent attendance at the meeting was a proof of collective readiness and commitment to the cause.
In a Goodwill Message, UNICEF Chief of Kano Field Office, Mr. Mohammed Farah acknowledged Katsina State government active participation in the fight which led to eradicating of wild poliovirus.
He maintained that reaching and vaccinating Nomadic Population is essential to interrupting transmission the polio virus and achieving the set goal.
The State Deputy Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria ALGON, Rabo Tambaya Danja stressed the need for mothers and children to be protected from preventable diseases and assured of continues support to all intervention efforts aimed at improving the health and well-being of the people.
