The Plateau State Government says it is committed to tackling childhood vaccine preventable diseases In the state.
To this end, it has undertaken a total overhaul of the health sector to ensure effective health care delivery.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang disclosed this at the flag off of the September 2023, National Immunization Plus Days, NIPDs in the state which took place at the Tudun Wada Primary Healthcare Centre, Jos North Local Government of the state, recently.
Governor Mutfwang represented by his Deputy, Josephine Piyo, said in collaboration with partners such as UNICEF, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency among others have been working tirelessly to provide quality health care and immunization services to all eligible children.
The September 2023 NIPDs, according to the governor, are aimed at boosting population immunity and stopping the transmission of the Circulating Variant Polio Virus, CPV2 in the state.
He urged parents and guardians to bring their children for vaccine and other routine immunization services from September 29th to October 3rd, 2023 to help achieve population immunity and improve immunization coverage in the state.
He appreciated all the partners for their coverage and commitment in providing health care services to children in the state.
Administrative and Chief Executive Officer, National Primary Care Development Agency, NPHDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib, represented by a Zonal Director in the Agency, Mr Otowo Kennedy, said they were doing a lot to protect people against killer diseases in the country.
He noted some states were experiencing health emergencies such as diphtheria, malaria and other tropical diseases.
Dr Faisal Shuaib disclosed the outbreak of a new CPV2 polio virus in Borno State. He urged that all hands must be on deck to forestall the reemergence of poliomyelitis cases in the state.
Commissioner of Health, Dr Cletus Shurkuk appreciated the role being played by stakeholders in the total eradication of the disease.
Dr Shurkuk highlighted immunization as one of the common ways of preventing the disease.
He called on all parents to ensure that children from zero to 59 months were administered the polio vaccine.
On his part, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ephraim Usman pledged to ensure that all the seventeen LGAs in the state were covered.
Executive Secretary, Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Raymond Juryit said significant progress has been recorded under the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang and assured of meeting the programme target under the leadership of the Deputy Governor, Josephine Piyo.
He thanked partners for success recorded so far.
There were Good-will messages from partners such as World Health Organization, WHO, Rotary International who all commended the state government for its remarkable achievement in eradicating polio. They pledged their continued support.
Gbong Gwom Jos, Jacob Gyang Buba represented by the Gwom Rwei of Riyom, Samuel Jok stressed the need for sensitization among the traditional rulers who will in turn talk to their people about the importance of the exercise.
The representative of the governor and other dignitaries later administered the vaccine to some children.
