The 3rd Round National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) has been flagged-off in Adamawa.
Flagging-off the exercise, the Adamawa State Deputy Governor who is also the State Chairman Task Force on Immunization, Chief Crowther Seth, tasked Local Government Chairmen, Traditional and Religious leaders on monitoring the exercise to ensure maximum success across the state.
Seth made the call Saturday in Yola while flagging-off the 3rd round of the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPD).
Seth said that the fight against polio which has recorded remarkable progress in Adamawa must be sustained by all stakeholders.
“As chairman State Taskforce on immunization, I will go out personally to monitor the implementation exercise until victory is attained and polio is eradicated from our land.
“I call on all Local Government Council Chairmen, traditional and religious leaders and media to lend their support to the final onslaught against polio in Adamawa state and Nigeria at large.
“Please join me and other stakeholders to fight this battle. I am sure, with your support the victory we seek will be delivered and the next generation of Adamawa state children and Nigeria will thank us for a brighter and rewarding future that is polio free and not encumbered with disabilities,” Seth said.
He lauded the role of partners like UNICEF, WHO, Rotary International, EU and World Bank for their support towards effective and quality healthcare service delivery in the state.
The deputy governor also lauded the contributions of Save One Million Lives Programme for its complimentary efforts in healthcare delivery.
In her remarks, the Executive Chairperson of Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Agency, Dr Batulu Mohammad, urged parents to ensure all their eligible children were immunized.
She also spoke on Brest feeding week which coincided with the immunization days and urged mothers to sustain the practice which has no equal in making the child healthy.
“This week is also breast feeding week and we want to encourage mothers on breast feeding for a healthy child,” Mohammed said.
She lauded the administration of Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri for the achievements recorded in the health sector within its 100 days in office, particularly the inauguration of the Taskforce on immunization and the commitment to pay counterpart fund for health programmes.
In his remarks, the State Director Public Health, Dr Bwalki Dilli, who represented the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mr Kennedy Bartimaus, also called for mass participation in the five-day exercise to ensure success.
He also raised alarm on the outbreak of Cholera in Yola Noth, Yola South and Girei local government areas urged the public to improve public hygiene in curtailing the spread.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the District Head of Jimeta, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa, assured their sustain support for the exercise.
He also raised concern on illegal dumping of refused and illegal structure in Yola metropolis and called for the constituting of a Taskforce to address the issue.
In goodwill message by international partners in the fight against polio presented Pharmacist Iyabosa of World Health Organization (WHO), they lauded the state renewed commitment and assured the of their sustain support in achieved its set targets in the area of healthcare delivery.
