By Daniel Edu
Prof. Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has revealed that 98% of unvaccinated children who contracted diphtheria were from 19 states in Nigeria. He made this announcement during the Northern Traditional Leaders’ Committee on Primary Health Care Service Delivery quarterly review meeting in Abuja, organized by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.
The meeting provided a platform for the NPHCDA and its partners to engage with traditional leaders and discuss their roles and responsibilities in enhancing primary healthcare delivery within their communities.
The minister emphasized the need for a rapid vaccination campaign, stating that the 19 states should work together to protect the lives of vulnerable children. He reported that efforts were underway to address the diphtheria challenge that had persisted for several months.
Prof. Pate highlighted that the key focus of collaborative efforts was to enhance local governance and improve the delivery of essential services, involving all relevant stakeholders, not just the Federal Government. He praised the united approach taken by state governments and other stakeholders, indicating that it was a significant step forward in addressing the ongoing health challenge and paving the way for a more coordinated and effective response.
He also expressed his gratitude to traditional leaders for their long-standing support of public health initiatives, acknowledging their role in the successful fight against wild poliovirus in Nigeria.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, urged Nigerians to embrace peace and unity, emphasizing the importance of living in peace regardless of tribal or regional differences. He also called on the world to pray for Palestinians and stressed the need for global peace and common development goals.
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