How Gavi, UNICEF boost immunization enrollment in North-East

 

By Idris Ayinde

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have successfully boosted immunization enrollment in two Northeastern states of Gombe and Taraba.

This was made possible sequel to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Primary Healthcare signed with the Nigerian government to strengthen healthcare service delivery in Nigeria.

UNICEF had swung into action immediately after signing the MoU three years ago with massive campaigns on benefits of immunization as well as the need for pregnant women to access medical facilities and be delivered by skilled birth attendants even in the hard to reach communities of the two states.

Speaking during a media dialogue on strengthening Primary Healthcare Systems on Gavi PHC MoU in Gombe, UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, said that the MoU targets to achieve 85 percent fully immunized children by the end of 2024.

According to her, the percentage of fully immunized children in both Gombe and Taraba states had gone up to 79 and 80 percent from as low as 50 percent.

“The overall health system is being strengthened and we are trying to reach even the last child who has never been humanized.

“The purpose of strengthening this Primary Healthcare System is to reach those unreached families children and mothers and that is why this is an important programme and the media role is very critical.

“We appreciate the various achievements recorded during the 3-year implementation of the MoU in the two states which includes an increase in the number of routine immunization outreach sessions, leading to reaching more eligible children and a reduction in Zero Dose load – reduced to 4% from 24% in Taraba.

“Improved availability of vaccines at the last-mile, resulting in significant reduction of vaccine stock-out at service point.

“Improved availability of skilled birth attendants especially at the Apex Primary Health Care Facilities following the recruitment of 440 health workers particularly in Gombe state,” she said.

The Chief of Field Office said that with funds from Gavi, UNICEF had Provided Hilux trucks and motorcycles Vehicles that are used for vaccine distribution and supportive supervision, adding that it also renovated some health facilities, provided solar equipment at the LGA cold stores in the states.

“I would like to appreciate all stakeholders, especially the Gombe and Taraba States Government for providing the enabling environment for the implementation of the agreed mandates of the MoU.

“However, I wish to implore the government to mainstream the health workers engaged through the MoU into the State’s civil service.

“I urge both States to honor their co-financing obligations, and as well provide the necessary structures and resources for the sustenance of the MoU gains.

“I thank our donor, GAVI for their continued support to improving the wellbeing of children in our field office states and generally in Nigeria. This continued support is critical to ensuring that every child survives and thrives,” Rafique said.

She assured that UNICEF would continue to provide the required support to government at all levels, for the improvement of health and living standard of the population, especially children and women in the communities.

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