Immunisation: Kwara Govt. to partner with Agencies on COVID-19, polio eradication
By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
Kwara State Deputy Governor, Mr Kayode Alabi has reiterated government’s commitment to partner with Agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations on surveillance and prevention of COVID-19 and other diseases across the 16 local government area of the state.
Alabi made the pledge in his remark on Tuesday, while receiving team members of the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), United States Centre for Disease Control (USCDC) and the United State Agency for International Development.
He commended the various agencies and organisation for supporting the state government in areas of health, best practices on training of health workers, surveillance and immunization.
The Deputy Governor reiterated the support of the administration to ensure prioritization of health of all the citizens in Kwara.
Also speaking, Dr Nusirat Elelu, Executive Secretary, Kwara State Primary health Care Development Agency commended AFENET for setting up office in Kwara and giving necessary support through routine immunization.
According to her, the government is ready to partner these agencies to revolutionize the health sector.
Elelu disclosed that two states were selected by AFENET, out of which Kwara is a beneficiaries of COVID-19 Aid, as well as Adamawa.
She added also that eight local government in Kwara will be supported through training of health workers, adding that at least the state is targeting 50 percent to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Earlier in her address, Dr Endie Waziri, National Coordinator of AFENET, Abuja noted that the agency had commenced full operations in Kwara on surveillance and prevention of diseases through vaccination.
According to her, the agency was involved during the advent of COVID-19 pandemic through support in preventive measures and contact tracing.
Also speaking, Dr Omotayo Bolu, Program Director for Immunization, United State Centre for Diseases Control, observed that Kwara is strategic in North Central and due to the commitment of the state government, which necessitated setting up office there.
She stated that the USCDC is also partnering and supporting the efforts of AFENET, through funding in areas of COVID-19, polio and routine immunization on diseases.
Bolu emphasized the need for increase in vaccination, while reiterating the support of the AFENET to support the state through social mobilisation to push community to get immunised.
Dr Melisa Freeman, the Deputy Director, Health, Population and Nutrition Office of United State Agency for International Development added that the agency will continue its support in treatment and management of Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDs across the country.
She added that more support would also be given to ensure people in Kwara get vaccinated against the COVID-19.(NAN)
Edited by Felix Ajide
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