By
Babangida Galleon
The Adamawa state government says it has received 300, 000 bottles of Azithromycin for the second round of mass administration to children from zero to fifty-nine months.
The Commissioner of health and Human Services, Felix Tangwami stated this during the flag off of the second round of the campaign in collaboration with malaria consortium which took place at Atiku Abubakar Primary Healthcare Centre in Yola North Local Government Area.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mathias Zirra during the event, the commissioner said the mass administration of azithromycin is a targeted intervention designed to reduce the burden of common infections, thereby improving survival outcomes and contributing to broader universal health coverage goals.
” Azithromycin has been demonstrated to be safe, effective and impactful in reducing childhood infections and improving survival rate in similar settings globally ”
Tangwami stressed that the intervention is a strategic effort to accelerate progress in reducing under-five mortality.
He called on parents, caregivers as well as traditional and religious leaders to ensure their children benefitted from the programme and to also continue to support community mobilisation.
In his remarks, the Country Director of Malaria Consortium, Dr. Maxwel Kolawale described the campaign as a demonstration of commitment to saving the lives of the most vulnerable group in the country.
” as recommended by the WHO, has proven potential to reduce mortality from common childhood illnesses like pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria when administered safely “.
Also speaking, the Adamawa State coordinator, Neglected Tropical Diseases, Doctor Lucky Daniel solicited the support of all stakeholders during the mass administration campaign, assuring that the drug is free and safe for children.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Executive Secretary of Yola North Primary Healthcare Development Authority, Asma’u Kona noted that arrangements have been put in place to ensure success of the campaign.
She revealed that 21 state supervisors, 715 community drug distributor supervisors, over 7,000 trained community drug distributors, and 715 town announcers have been deployed to ensure efficiency, transparency, and wide coverage across communities.
During a media parley held ahead of the flag-off, the team explained that the first phase of the campaign recorded eighty percent success, adding that challenges encountered have been addressed to ensure improved outcomes in the second phase.
GALLEON
