Abuja, 9 September, 2024 — The World Well being Group Nation Consultant in Nigeria (WR), Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, has reaffirmed the organisation’s unrelenting dedication to supporting the federal government of Nigeria to attain its purpose of stopping all types of polio transmission and strengthening routine immunisation whereas constructing a resilient healthcare system throughout the nation.
Dr Mulombo’s remarks got here throughout the Northern Conventional Leaders’ Committee (NTLC) on Major Well being Care Service Supply quarterly evaluation assembly in Abuja, organised by the Nationwide Major Well being Care Growth Company (NPHCDA).
Throughout the strategic assembly, Dr Mulombo appreciated the important historic position of the normal and non secular leaders in guaranteeing Nigeria eradicates all types of poliovirus.
Urging them to not relent of their effort, he stated, “The committee has probably the most important framework with the required assets to place a cease to the transmission of the Circulating Variant poliovirus Sort 2 (cVPV2) in addition to enhance the general Major Healthcare (PHC) Service supply and finally obtain Common Well being Protection for Nigerians.
Appreciating the federal government for offering an setting that allows the NTLC’s performance, he added that the WHO would proceed to help the nation in constructing its well being workforce’s capability to create a resilient well being system.
He additionally said that with the just lately affirmed Native Authorities Authority (LGA)autonomy, WHO has already initiated engagement with the Amalgamation of Native Authorities of Nigeria (ALGON) management on well being system strengthening (HSS) and human useful resource for well being (HRH).
WHO has been supporting Nigeria in its combat in opposition to all types of poliovirus via strengthening immunisation campaigns and constructing the capability of its well being workforce to construct a resilient well being system.
Essential Position of Vaccines in Combating Illnesses
In an earlier comment, the Coordinating Minister of Well being and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, emphasised the important position vaccines have performed in combating illnesses, notably within the face of challenges posed by misinformation and the affect of social media.
He additionally highlighted that the position performed by the normal and non secular leaders in safeguarding the communities’ well being and well-being through the years can’t be overstated.
“Over the previous 15 years, the NTLC has been instrumental in advancing efforts to broaden immunisation and rework main healthcare in Nigeria. Considered one of Nigeria’s key achievements in recent times is the profitable eradication of the wild poliovirus.
The Minister stated there are viruses, if not managed, that may be exported, and Nigeria wouldn’t prefer to be in that place. He, subsequently, urged the normal leaders with communities sharing worldwide borders with different nations to arrange for a marketing campaign in October in order that Nigeria can have the absolute best immunisation marketing campaign,
In parallel, the Minister appreciated the roles of growth companions and non-governmental organisations, together with Mr Invoice Gates, Aliko Dangote, WHO, and others, for supporting the federal government and NTLC.
Recognition of Progress and the Name for Continued Help
In his goodwill message, the Co-founder of the Invoice and Melinda Gates Basis, Mr Gates, additionally appreciated the NTLC and the extent of progress made within the combat in opposition to polio within the nation regardless of challenges of anti-polio sentiments and insecurity.
Whereas appreciating Nigeria’s effort to take care of a wild polio-free standing regardless of the quite a few challenges, he recommended 86% protection achieved for the HPV marketing campaign, describing it as the most effective globally.
Of their remarks, the Emir of Arugungu, who can be the Chairman of the NTLC on polio eradication, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’advert Abubakar, reiterated their sturdy dedication to this trigger, saying that NTLC is not going to relaxation till each eligible baby are reached with the polio vaccine, routine immunisation and high quality healthcare providers.
Additionally they known as on Mr Gates and companions to help the NTLC with extra funding and for the Minister of Well being to proceed to supply the enabling setting for the NTLC to operate extra effectively.
Conventional Leaders on the Forefront of Public Well being Interventions
In Nigeria, attaining success in public well being interventions calls for belief, neighborhood engagement and culturally tailor-made methods, and the northern conventional and non secular leaders have been on the forefront of the hassle to drive profitable implementations of vaccination campaigns and well being schooling initiatives for illness prevention measures.
The committee is pivotal in enhancing maternal and baby well being by advocating for secure childbirth practices and selling entry to prenatal and postnatal care. These efforts have led to more healthy outcomes for moms and youngsters.
Additionally, the committee’s advocacy has enhanced routine immunisation protection, particularly in distant and underserved areas. Nonetheless, there’s nonetheless a lot work to be executed to scale back the variety of zero-dose kids.