In a bid to ensure that no child is left behind, the Gombe Local Government has announced plans to engage 192 volunteers from 24 facilities for the 2024 vaccination exercise across the LGA.
The Primary Health Care Coordinator of the local government, Aishatu Umar, who disclosed this on Monday, said the vaccination drive seeks to integrate primary health care, optimise resources and efficiently deliver services.
She spoke at the 2024 World Polio Day celebration organised by Rotary International in collaboration with the Gombe State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria.
“We invited eight volunteers per facility, and with 24 facilities, we have 192 involved in the campaign.They will serve as advocates for sensitization, and since they’ve heard our message, they’ll spread the word,” she said.
PUNCH Healthwise reports that the volunteers will facilitate the vaccination of children against polio 0-59 months, measles (9-59 months), and human papillomavirus (HPV) 9-14 years.
The vaccination drive aims to integrate primary health care services, optimizing resources and efficiently delivering services.
Umar emphasised the importance of community participation, “We’ve worked with these volunteers for a long time. 90 per cent are already involved in the campaign.”
Regarding the vaccination timeline, Umar explained, “We have multiple phases. Polio vaccination starts on Thursday and Friday, followed by a two-day campaign on Saturday and Sunday. Measles vaccination begins on Saturday and concludes on Sunday.”
Umar urged parents to cooperate stressing, “A country without healthy children won’t grow. Our future depends on their health.”
On his part, Barrister Sani Haruna, Chairman of Gombe LGA, praised Rotary International’s partnership. “Primary health and education are under local government purview. This collaboration ensures relevant stakeholders are involved,” he added.
Haruna expressed optimism about preventing polio in the LGA, saying “Our governor has consistently combated polio, earning an award. We’re building on this success. Catching children young yields better results.”
He highlighted Gombe’s progress adding “We have low maternal mortality rates and improved health for children under five.”
SOURCE PUNCH NEWS
