Kogi State Government has assured the world health organization (WHO), that it would strive towards sustaining its 2013 polio and routine immunization rating.
Capt. Idris Wada, Kogi State Governor gave the assurance when he received in audience, officials of the world health organization who were in the state on an advocacy and sensitization visit.
Represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, the Governor lamented the strike action by health workers in the local government areas early this year, which he noted affected the immunization coverage of the state in the first quarter ratings, but assured that efforts has been stepped off to cover the lost grounds.
The Governor stated that the forthcoming October, November and December, 2014 week long immunization day programmes, which he noted has received the backing of his administration, was aimed at covering lost ground.
Capt Wada disclosed that government has since the inception of his administration given the health needs of her citizen’s appropriate attention, assured that no stone will be left upturned in making the health needs of the people a priority.
Capt Wada commended the WHO and other partners in their support to the State in the areas of immunization, maternal and child health, as well as control of river blindness disease, tuberculosis and leprosy control.
Earlier in his remarks, Dr. Idris Omede, said the WHO team was in the State to do a recap of the January to July, 2014 immunization exercise.
While noting that the State had remained a flagship in the fight against polio and in routine immunization, he assured that the Ministry is working round the clock to reclaim lost ground.
In his presentation, Dr. Ahmed Khadr monitoring and evaluation officer of the WHO, appealed for more efforts for the State to regain its position in polio and routine immunization.
Dr. Ahmed while analyzing data of the State concerning polio and routine immunization, said efforts must be made for the State to move from its most risky status and to once again attain its 2013 status.
