The Borno state government on Thursday announced that following supports from the United Nations Children’s Fund reiterated their commitment to strengthening access to healthcare for children and immunisation uptake among zero-dose children in the state.
Speaking at the close-out event of Adopt-A-PHC Naija Challenge in Maiduguri, the Executive Secretary, Borno State Primary Healthcare Development Board Muhammad Arab attributed the success to the advocacy against myths surrounding immunisation which was championed by 30 trained youths
He said, through a three month challenge implemented by the Foundation for Alternative Learning in Underserved Communities with support from UNICEF and the Government of Canada, 30 youth advocates were trained and engaged across ten primary healthcare centres in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere local government area
In his words “what makes today special is that this Challenge represents the spirit of collaboration and innovation that drives our work . The challenge, implemented by the Foundation for Alternative Learning in Underserved Communities with support from UNICEF and the Government of Canada, mobilized and trained 30 youth advocates who worked tirelessly across 10 primary Healthcare centres in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere.
“Their efforts have reached 900,000 individuals, combining house to house mobilisation, radio broadcasts and digital storytelling to dispel myths and promote trust in vaccination”
“Over 11, 900 caregivers were directly engaged in person, and our communities recorded a 44 per cent increase in routine Immunization uptake, surpassing the project’s 25 per cent target. These are not just statistics, they reflect real children protected” he stated
While appreciating UNICEF’s support, he reiterated the state government’s commitment to strengthening primary Healthcare system across the state
“In Borno State, our government remains fully committed to strengthening primary Healthcare as the foundation of an equitable health system.
“Through the Borno State Primary Healthcare Development Board, we continue to expand access, improve service delivery and ensure that every child, mother and family can reach a functional, trusted and youth friendly health facility” he assured
Also speaking, the UNICEF Health Specialist Hassan Malgwi commended the youths for their dedication and efforts in the face of many challenges
He said “This three months challenge has been a testament to the power of youths led advocacy, partnership, volunteerism, innovation and community-driven solutions”
“Through your creativity, passion and dedication, you have reached the unreached, mobilised groups and communities and inspired new wave of champions for child health”
“You work has helped identify and support zero-dose children, ensuring they receive the vaccines they need to survive. UNICEF Commends each and everyone of you for your unwavering commitment to the cause. Your energy is contagious and your impact will be felt for generations to come” Saidu stated
He however called on the government and stakeholders to not relent in championing the rights of every child born in the state and region at large
“As we close out this challenge, let us continue to champion the rights of every child to a healthy start in life. Continue to volunteer for causes such as child rights”
“Every child born in Borno state and Indeed Northeast Nigeria deserves to be vaccinated to survive and thrive” he added
