By
Muhammad Jamil Abubakar
Significant strides have been made in strengthening primary healthcare systems in Gombe and Taraba States, thanks to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2022 by UNICEF, GAVI, and the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF).
The initiative aims to achieve an 85 percent full immunization rate for children by 2024 and improve governance, accountability, and service delivery in primary healthcare across eight states.
Speaking at a 2 day Media Dialogue on Strengthening Primary Health care Systems: UNICEF – GAVI PHC MoU in Gombe and Taraba States, the UNICEF Chief of Field Office Bauchi, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique highlighted the progress made under the MoU.
Dr. Rafique attributed the achievements to collaborative efforts, strategic planning, and strong political commitment.
“Key accomplishments over the past three years include, Strengthened leadership and coordination through functional State Taskforce operations, Expanded routine immunization outreach, leading to a reduction in Zero Dose children in Taraba from 24% to 4%, Improved vaccine supply management, minimizing stock-outs at health service points, and Recruitment of 440 additional health workers in Gombe, boosting skilled birth attendant coverage.”
” Others are Renovation of health facilities and installation of solar equipment in Local Government Area (LGA) cold stores, Increased Skilled Birth Attendant (SBA) coverage in Taraba from 11% to 24%, Provision of vehicles for vaccine distribution and supervisory visits, Enrollment of 10,000 beneficiaries in the health insurance scheme in Gombe.”
With the MoU entering its final year, Dr. Rafique stressed the urgency of implementing the remaining work plan to meet the overall objectives.
She called on the Gombe and Taraba State Governments to integrate the newly recruited health workers into the state civil service and fulfill co-financing commitments to maintain the program’s gains.
Expressing appreciation for GAVI’s continued support, Dr. Rafique reaffirmed UNICEF’s dedication to improving health and living standards, particularly for children and women in Nigeria.
Dr Rafique called for collaboration to ensure every child in the region has the opportunity to survive and thrive.