The Executive Secretary of the Borno State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Professor Mohammed Arab has commended the significant progress made in grassroots healthcare delivery across the state.
Prof. Arab said the progress was particularly in the areas of immunization, infrastructure, and workforce development under the leadership of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.
Speaking during a presentation to government officials and traditional leaders, Prof. Arab emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening routine immunization programmes.
“Routine immunization is a simple yet powerful tool to prevent diseases, especially the six childhood killer diseases, and the government has remained fully committed to supporting it,” he stated.
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Prof. Arab also noted that ongoing investments in primary healthcare infrastructure and human resources are yielding positive results, enhancing access to quality health services in rural communities.
He noted that Borno has consistently exceeded the 15% budgetary requirement of the Abuja Declaration for three consecutive years.
“Even after the expiration of the MoU with the Aliko Dangote Foundation and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in December 2024, the state government has taken full responsibility of supporting all our immunization programs,”Prof. Arab said.
On manpower, he said that Governor Zulum recently approved the absorption of 859 healthcare workers across different categories, while scholarships awarded to 1,400 nurses and midwives wouid soon boost the capacity, with about 500 expected to graduate before the end of this year.
On infrastructure, he revealed that “132 primary healthcare facilities are undergoing renovations, with 92 already completed and only nine yet to commence.”
Prof. Arab also recalled that in 2023, Borno State won the Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge Award worth $1.2 million, which was invested in solar power, computers for the College of Nursing, postgraduate sponsorships, and a ₦100 million seed fund for the Drugs and Medical Consumables Agency.
“Although we lost out last year, we have realized our shortcomings and are ready to reclaim the award,” he assured.
Prof. Arab added that best-performing local government chairmen, district heads, and facility managers have been recognized with cash prizes ranging from ₦250,000 to ₦500,000 to encourage improved performance at the grassroots.
Governor Zulum, in his remarks, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining immunization and strengthening healthcare delivery across all 27 local government areas.
“I hereby direct all local government chairmen to step up campaign on routine immunization, in-between rounds and other campaigns across the state. Attending evening review meetings is compulsory for all LGA Chairmen,” Governor Zulum declared.
He further promised that adequate security would be provided to guarantee access to vaccination in hard-to-reach areas.
A representative of UNICEF commended Borno’s efforts but warned that the state still has six active polio cases, describing the situation as a public health emergency.
He urged continued collaboration with traditional rulers and community structures to achieve total eradication.