Deputy Governor, Chief Crowther Seth while speaking at the State Taskforce on Immunization meeting held at the conference Hall of the Deputy Governor’s Office, pledged the commitment of the State Government to issues of immunization of Children in the State.
Chief Crowther made this declaration while responding to the concerns raised in presentation by Dr. John Sabo of UNICEF on Routine Immunization Activities in Adamawa State (Trends and Performances). Where he identified one of the Challenges as non remittance of State’s counterpart fund in the past as was budgeted for among others.
Chief Crowther earlier lauded the efforts of members of the Taskforce particularly the coordinating bodies at state level kicking polio out of the State. He also commended the Media for constantly educating the Citizenry on misconceptions surrounding vaccines. He thanked the traditional rulers for roles as those closer to the people. Chief Crowther expressed the administration’s deepest regards for issues that concerns children.
In her opening remark the Executive Chairperson of the Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Batulu Mohammed described the role the Deputy Governor as the Chairman of the Committee as critical, as political will is key in the attainment of the set goals of the immunization project. She also outlined the activities of immunization in the State and disclosed that in addition to oral polio vaccines, meningitis and booster for measles will rolled out soon. The EC revaeled that the later will involve injections thereby, could be met by stiff resistance from the public hence, the need for the State Government to invoke some political tools. She described Adamawa’s achievements in immunization as impressive as it is placed at 95% with the State not registering any new wild polio virus since 2008 and no new cases of polio since 2013
The UNICEF Chief Field Officer (CFO) in Bauchi Dr. Banu Patak said that Immunization is a top priority for UNICEF as it is essential for the growth and well Bing of a Child. He expressed satisfaction with achievements of Adamawa State team and cooperation being enjoyed from the people although more needs to be done. The CFO thanked the Deputy Governor for the promised commitment to the project especially in meeting it’s budgetary obligation and promised to facilitate increase funding for the State.
Speaking earlier the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health Mr. Kennedy Balthimawus, who was reprensented by the Director Public Health in the Ministry, Dr. Bolki Dili disclosed the composition of the Committee. It comprises the coordinating team at the State level, Technical Team, representatives of Journalists Against Polio, Traditional Rulers and the Political leaders, with the Deputy Governor as the Chairman of Committee.
