Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has directed chairmen of all 27 Local Government Areas to ramp up awareness campaigns on Routine Immunisation, In-Between Rounds, and the Integrated Measles Campaign, as part of renewed efforts to wipe out preventable diseases.
The governor issued the directive on Thursday during a strategic review meeting with traditional rulers, local government leaders, and development partners at the Government House, Maiduguri.
“I hereby direct all the local government chairmen to step up campaign on Routine Immunisation, In-Between Rounds and other campaigns, which must be carried out across the state. Let me also emphasise that attending evening review meetings is compulsory for all LGA Chairmen,” Zulum declared.
He further appealed to traditional rulers to continue sensitising their communities on the importance of immunisation, especially against polio and other childhood diseases.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare delivery, Zulum assured that Borno would sustain immunisation activities despite the conclusion of the tripartite agreement with the Aliko Dangote Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in December 2024.
“All our counterpart funding have been paid, we are up to date. I want to assure you that we will provide all the needed support and political will to ensure an effective healthcare delivery system for our people,” the governor said, adding that adequate security will be provided to reach hard-to-access communities.
Zulum also highlighted progress in human resource development, noting that his administration has sponsored 1,400 students in nursing and midwifery programmes, with 500 expected to graduate by the end of the year.
Earlier, Prof. Mohammed Arab Alhaji, Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Board, briefed the gathering on ongoing immunisation efforts and the PHC Leadership Challenge Fund. He urged for tighter security in hard-to-reach areas, stronger community engagement by traditional leaders, and better oversight of LGA chairmen during evening review meetings.
“I want to appreciate His Excellency for the prompt payment of counterpart funds, provision of drugs and consumables, absorption of 859 health workers, and infrastructure upgrades,” Arab said.
The high-level meeting was attended by Deputy Governor Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur, who chairs the State Taskforce on Immunisation, alongside Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi; Shehu of Dikwa; Shehu of Bama; Emirs of Biu, Askira Uba, Gwoza, Shani, and Uba; as well as commissioners, senior government officials, and development partners.
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