The Katsina State Government has reiterated its commitment to eradicating polio and enhancing Immunisation and primary healthcare delivery across the state.
Governor Dikko Umar Radda made the pledge on Friday during a two-day stakeholders’ engagement meeting held in Kaduna. The event was organised by the Katsina State Primary Healthcare Agency in collaboration with UNICEF.
The event brought together Local Government Areas chairmen, district heads, and health secretaries to discuss strategies for improving Immunisation, enhancing accountability in polio response, and bolstering the primary healthcare system.
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Represented by his deputy, Umar Jobe, who also chairs the Katsina State Committee on Polio Eradication, Radda reiterated his administration’s dedication to leading polio awareness campaigns, mobilising emergency resources, and engaging communities to reduce non-compliance.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that every child in Katsina received life-saving vaccines.
“Healthcare remains a critical pillar of our administration. In the past two years, we’ve invested over N60 billion in the health sector.
“Our ‘One Functional PHC per Ward’ strategy is progressing steadily, with 260 healthcare centres completed and more undergoing revitalisation.
“These centres are equipped with solar power, clean water, perimeter fencing, and tricycle ambulances for accessibility,” he stated.
The governor also highlighted recent upgrades in comprehensive healthcare services, including a new dialysis centre and an advanced imaging facility to improve diagnosis and treatment.
Dr Shamsudeen Yahaya, Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Primary Healthcare Agency, outlined the meeting’s goals, which included halting the spread of mutant poliovirus, strengthening routine immunisation, and reinforcing healthcare interventions.
He noted the remarkable progress made in the last two years and pledged to continue working with partners to safeguard public health.
Rabo Tambaya, Deputy Chairman of the Katsina State chapter of ALGON, thanked UNICEF and the World Health Organisation for their support and stressed the importance of partnership in addressing maternal and infant mortality.
He also raised concern about the high rate of malnutrition in Nigeria, calling for urgent action to improve child nutrition as a foundation for tackling broader health issues.
UNICEF’s Chief of Kano Field Office, Mr Mohammed Farah, lauded stakeholders for their efforts in combating polio and urged continued focus on improving routine immunisation.
He emphasised the challenge of reaching nomadic populations and reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to deploying innovative strategies to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and promote vaccine acceptance.