Governor Babagana Zulum has directed chairmen of the 27 local government areas to intensify awareness campaigns on Routine Immunisation and measles prevention.

Mr Zulum issued the directive on Thursday during a strategic meeting with traditional rulers, council chairmen, and development partners on primary healthcare activities at the Government House in Maiduguri.

He urged traditional rulers to sustain community sensitisation on the benefits of immunisation, particularly against polio and other preventable childhood diseases threatening public health.

“All local government chairmen must step up Routine Immunisation and In-Between Rounds campaigns across the state,” Mr Zulum said, stressing attendance at evening review meetings was compulsory.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with stakeholders to strengthen primary healthcare centres for effective delivery of immunisation and other essential medical services.

He assured continuity of programmes in spite of the expiration of the tripartite agreement with the Aliko Dangote Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2024.

Mr Zulum noted that all counterpart funds had been paid, adding that the government would sustain political will and financial support to ensure efficient healthcare for Borno citizens.

He also pledged adequate security to enable immunisation coverage in hard-to-reach communities affected by insecurity and displacement.

Highlighting progress, Mr Zulum revealed that 1,400 students have been sponsored to study nursing and midwifery, with 500 expected to graduate before the end of the year, thereby boosting the manpower.

Earlier, the executive secretary of the Borno Primary Healthcare Development Board, Mohammed Arab-Alhaji, briefed participants on immunisation programmes and the Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge Fund.

He explained the initiative was designed to accelerate the 2019 Seattle Declaration commitment by governors to improve healthcare delivery through accountability and measurable results.

Mr Arab-Alhaji urged stronger security in remote communities, increased support from traditional leaders against vaccine non-compliance, and stricter measures to curb the misuse of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food.

He commended the governor for promptly paying counterpart funds, providing medicines, absorbing 859 health workers, and supporting primary healthcare infrastructure across the state.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor Umar Kadafur, Shehu of Borno, Abubakar El-Kanemi, traditional rulers, state executives, and development partners.

(NAN)