Adamawa State has expressed concern over decreasing vaccination figures in communities across the state, attributing the trend to misinformation, myths, and deep-seated mistrust.
The state Deputy Governor, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, voiced the government’s apprehension during the 2025 first bi-annual meeting on primary healthcare with traditional rulers, held at the Government House, Yola.
Prof. Farauta noted that the recurring outbreaks of measles, despite repeated immunization campaigns, demand urgent and united action from all stakeholders.
“Government is committed beyond just reviewing our immunization strategy. We are focused on addressing the growing burden of disease outbreaks in our communities,” she stated.
The deputy governor called on all emirates and chiefdoms to establish and maintain functional primary healthcare structures that hold regular meetings, collaborate closely with the state’s primary healthcare agency, and are supported with training, data, and well-defined responsibilities.
Prof. Farauta also issued a direct challenge to local government chairmen, stressing that effective leadership in primary healthcare begins at the grassroots.
“Neglect, delay, or politicization of primary healthcare services at the local level is unacceptable,” she warned.
Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Chief Felix Tangwami, praised the achievements made in the health sector, attributing them to the state government’s support.
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He urged traditional rulers and stakeholders to show equal commitment by supporting vaccination efforts in their communities.
Tangwami reassured the public of the safety of vaccines, emphasising their importance in preventing disease outbreaks.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Suleiman Bashir, Chairman of the state Primary Health Care Development Agency, proposed the adoption of a biometric attendance system to combat the issue of multiple salary payments in the health sector.
Bashir disclosed that a team from the agency had visited Gombe State to study its biometric payroll model, which has reportedly helped streamline salary disbursements and enhance accountability.
“We are hopeful that the Adamawa State Government will adopt this strategy to strengthen our health workforce management,” he said.
The meeting highlighted the critical need for collaboration among government, traditional institutions, and the public to restore trust in vaccines and strengthen the state’s healthcare delivery.
