The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative in Nigeria (WR), Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, and the Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, recently paid a visit to Zamfara State to discuss the revitalization agenda of Primary Health Care (PHC) in the state. The objective of the visit was to improve access to quality healthcare for all individuals, particularly the vulnerable population, in line with the tenets of Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC).
The Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal Dare, expressed his appreciation for the visit despite the current security challenges faced by the state. He emphasized that healthcare is a major focus area for his administration and pledged to ensure timely funding for immunization and PHC activities, eliminating any delays or defaults.
Dr. Mulombo highlighted the importance of Zamfara State in the interruption of circulating Variant Poliovirus type-2 (cVPV2) in Nigeria, particularly in areas affected by security challenges. Zamfara State has recorded the highest number of cVPV2 cases this year, making it crucial to implement innovative strategies to reach all zero-dose children with life-saving vaccines. The Governor was urged to take full ownership of health activities across sectors, with support from partners and collaboration with community leaders.
Dr. Shuaib also emphasized the importance of prioritizing immunization, Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIA), and other integrated PHC services to improve healthcare indices in Zamfara State. The state faces challenges such as a shortage of skilled health workers and rising levels of insecurity across all 14 Local Government Areas (LGAs), impacting immunization and healthcare services negatively.
Last year, despite the prevailing insecurity, Zamfara State, in collaboration with NPHCDA and WHO, successfully implemented a polio campaign, reaching children in previously inaccessible areas. Over 600,000 children in insecure settlements were immunized for the first time, contributing to the interruption of cVPV2 transmission and earning commendation from the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB).
The visit by the WHO team signifies a significant step towards adopting policies and strategies to control and prevent vaccine-preventable diseases and strengthen PHC services in Zamfara State. Zamfara's success in these areas can serve as a model for the entire nation, Africa, and the rest of the world.
It is worth noting that WHO continues to support Zamfara State in sustaining its wild poliovirus (WPV)-free status and promptly responding to outbreaks of other diseases such as Meningitis, Measles, Cholera, and Yellow fever. The support extends to PHC revitalization through capacity building, surveillance, data management, and feedback.
In conclusion, the visit by the WHO team to Zamfara State signifies the importance placed on improving healthcare services and achieving Universal Healthcare Coverage. By addressing challenges such as immunization, healthcare financing, and health worker shortages, Zamfara State can set an example for other regions in Nigeria and beyond.
Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-11 News
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