The Sokoto State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending the circulation of Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2 (cVDPV2) in the state.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu gave the assurance during a meeting with the President, Global Development, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, at the Government House, Sokoto.
The Governor stated that the state has adopted new strategies aimed at interrupting the transmission of Poliovirus Type 2 by 2026.
These strategies include intensified vaccination campaigns, enhanced disease surveillance, strengthened community engagement to address vaccine hesitancy, and sustained routine immunisation coverage to improve health outcomes.
According to him, the state government has released its Routine Immunisation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) counterpart fund for the year 2024 and reaffirmed its commitment to the timely payment of the fund to achieve the desired objectives.
“We have procured all the necessary equipment, including deep freezers, generators, and motorcycles, to ensure successful and hitch-free immunisation coverage across the state,” the Governor said.
Governor Aliyu also appealed for the extension of the Primary Health Care (PHC) MoU to consolidate existing gains and requested additional support towards reducing maternal and infant mortality in the state.
“In the last two years, we have recruited 1,500 nurses and midwives to ensure adequate manpower in our health facilities, including PHCs across the state,” he added.
He disclosed that the state government has implemented a policy of mandatory two-year rural posting for health workers, including medical doctors, to PHCs in order to ensure improved and equitable service delivery.
Governor Aliyu expressed gratitude to development partners for their unwavering support towards promoting a healthy society in Sokoto State.
The meeting advocated the sustenance of partnerships and collaboration to achieve improved healthcare delivery in the state.
The meeting had in attendance Dr Chris Elias, President, Global Development, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Dr Ahmed Iya of the Dangote Foundation; Dr Uche, Programme Director, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Nigeria, and officials of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), amongst others.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
