NGO establishes vaccine centres in Kebbi, Zamfara

A Non-Governmental Organisation, eHealth Africa, has established Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs), in Kebbi and Zamfara to boost vaccination for polio and other vaccine preventable diseases.

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The Executive Director, eHealth Africa, Mr Atef Fawaz said this in Abuja, that the centres were built with support from philanthropists including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Aliko Dangote Foundation, among others.

“The handover of the EOC signifies a new phase in the states’ fight against polio, other vaccine preventable diseases.

“The centres will also help to address other public health issues through effective stakeholders planning, collaboration and institutional strengthening.

“The handover ceremonies also provided a boost to Nigeria’s public health sector and signify fresh drive and vigor for eHealth Africa to support public health interventions.

“It will also help in providing underserved communities with tools to lead healthier lives,” he said.

According to him, the organisation was satisfied with the quality standard of the EOCs.

He said that they are of high quality standard which was in line with global best practice.

“In line with the organisation’s mission of building stronger health systems through innovative strategies, eHealth Africa has been leading the establishment of EOCs across Nigeria and Africa since 2012.

“This experience of over a decade has positioned the organisation to understand and effectively implement an intervention of this magnitude.

“This is another milestone in our consistent resolve to support public health stakeholders in effective planning and coordination of emergency preparedness and response especially as Nigeria continues to win the fight against Polio and vaccine preventable diseases,” he said.

The Senior Programme Manager, eHealth, Mr Kazeem Balogun, said that the organisation was able to build the centres to a high standard using collaborative efforts with stakeholders.

Balogun said that it was crucial to get the support of stakeholders like the national and State Primary HealthCare Development Agencies, traditional and religious leaders and international partners to build the centres.

He said their inputs were instrumental to ensuring the successful completion and activation of the centres.