Kogi State Government says its fight against the eradication of the polio virus in the State to the point that the State remains polio free remains unwavering.
Capt. Idris Wada, the Kogi State Governor stated this over the weekend at a one day meeting of the Governor with Local Government Area Council Chairmen, Traditional Rulers, and Religious leaders in polio eradication, routine immunization and primary healthcare.
The Governor noted that the meeting was to further re-enforce the drive to completely wipe out polio and other diseases, towards reducing death with vaccine preventable diseases.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, said towards sustaining its polio free rating, efforts will be place on continuous vigilance aimed at fighting ill health, incapacitation and death.
The State Governor stated that the fight to combat polio is a continuous one in the state, charged Council Chairmen in the State to ensure that necessary administrative measures are put in place in their various councils to sustain the fight against polio and improved healthcare delivery.
The Governor called on parents in the State to make their children from 0-5 years available for routine immunization and immunization plus days.
While the State Government Capt. Wada, assured will continue to provide its counterpart fund in the fight against polio and other health related diseases, all services aimed at maintaining polio free status in the state will be sustained.
Capt. Wada thanked Royal fathers in the State for their involvement in ensuring that the State maintains a polio free status since 2009.
He said all environmental and hygienic activities which include hand washing that will make the State polio and other preventable diseases free should be pursued and sustained.
In his speech at the occasion, Dr. Idris Omede, the State Commissioner for Health, commended the pro-activeness of the State Government in the fight to eradicate preventable diseases.
The Commissioner said the recent release of counterpart fund to the Melinda gate immunization fund, would improve maternal health through capacity building in basic essential obstetric care in the 21 LGA’s of the state.
Highlights of the stakeholders meeting was the presentation of the Kogi State polio eradication initiative and routine immunization performance in relation to state in the North Central Zone of the Federation by Dr. Balagun, as well as suggestions, and contributions by traditional and religious leaders on how to sustain the polio status of the state.
