The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has called on the Taraba State Government to sustain the progress made in primary healthcare over the past three years under its partnership with the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI).
Speaking at the handover ceremony to the state government, the Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, commended Taraba for its high immunization coverage, improved healthcare system, and the elimination of zero-dose cases in the state.
She, however, stressed the need for continued investment to prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
According to her, "while Taraba has made significant progress, sustaining immunization efforts and expanding vaccine access remain critical.
"Continued commitment to funding, policy implementation, and community engagement is essential to maintaining these gains."
She further urged the state government to ensure the timely release of primary healthcare budgetary allocations and to align with GAVI's recommendations by increasing manpower to strengthen the health workforce.
The State Coordinator of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Nuhu Ningi, in his address emphasized the importance of government ownership and local investment in immunization programs.
He urged the state to ensure that structures established under the GAVI agreement remain effective even after external funding phases out.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Nuhu Tukur, assured stakeholders that the agency would continue its collaboration with the State Ministry of Health and the government to sustain the progress achieved.
Responding on behalf of the Taraba State Government, the Head of Service, Dr. Ahmed Kara, reaffirmed the administration's commitment to sustaining the successes recorded under the three-year GAVI-supported program.
He pledged continued investment in healthcare infrastructure, vaccine distribution, and public health campaigns to safeguard the well-being of children and communities across the state.
0 Comments