Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has reiterated the commitment of his administration to partner with the federal government, Gates Foundation and Aliko Dangote Foundation to eradicate polio, and reduce maternal mortality in the state.
The governor made the commitment, while receiving the coordinating Minister of Health and Social Development and representatives of the two foundations, on courtesy visit at the Government House, Kano on Wednesday.
Spokesperson of the governor, Sanusi Bature in a statement, noted that the governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, AlhajinFaruq Ibrahim, disclosed that the partnership has become pertinent at a period when his administration is committed to improving the healthvare system of the state.
He said while his administration has recorded successes within a short period, he is aware of the challenges in the healthcare system, including polio and maternal and newborn mortality.
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He however vowed to redouble efforts in enhancing immunization programmes, to capture missing children, strengthen the capacity of healthcare workers, and improve supply chain management to achieve the overall goals.
He added that his administration has restored counterpart funding on routine immunization, to cover the zero dose inherited from the immediate past government and sustain investment in the primary healthcare system.
Earlier, the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, applauded the state government’s investment in health, and expressed the federal government’s readiness to collaborate with development agencies to eradicate polio in Kano State.
Prif. Pate hinted that despite the efforts, the resurgence of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus and fake fingermarking of children during immunization in the state, is threatening the success recorded in the last 10 years.
He therefore urged the state government to ensure the proper selection of working immunization teams, involve traditional leaders and relevant agencies to achieve total eradication.
The minister also indicated the commitment of the federal government to support Kano, with the supply of vaccines and provide emergency transportation and free treatment of emergency cases for pregnant mothers.
In his remark, the President, Global Development of the Gates Foundation Dr. Chris Elias reminded the gathering that the foundation has signed an agreement with the state government, to help eradicate polio and strengthen routine immunization in 2012.
