Chima Azubuike, Gombe state.
Gombe state governor, Alh. Inuwa Yahaya, has stated the resolve of the state to partner with traditional institution in the fight against Meningitis. The governor who was represented by Secretary of the State Government Prof. Abubakar Njodi, at the flag- off ceremony of New Meningitis vaccine into Routine Immunization Schedule, popularly known as Men A, which was held today at Emir’s palace, Yamaltu Deba. He stated that in the past (2) two centuries, epidemic of Meningitis has been experienced in most parts of Northern Nigeria. The outbreak of Meningitis usually occur in the hot dry season from February to may every year.
“It is an airborne disease that spreads with overcrowdedness and poor ventilation. Cerebrospinal Meningitis is one of the diseases that require higher public health attention . It’s reoccurrence is so terrifying that result to several death in children and adults particularly in the northern part of the country. Our royal father’s are the key drivers to the success and they have important role to play ” added.
Acting Secretary, Gombe state Primary Health Care Development Agency Alh. Haruna Dadinkowa, in his address noted that Meningitis is one of the problem across Northern Nigeria he said “Outbreaks occur annually and are accompanied with heavy death toll and the survivors are often exposed to permanent deformity, characterised with epilepsy and deafness. This immunization will reduce the outbreak of Meningitis in young people in the near future. It will be administered at the same time with yellow fever, measles at the health facilities or during outreaches” he stated.
Meanwhile, the representative of the
state coordinator of World Health Organization, Musa Wada, said “We are all aware that Meningitis is constituting high Morbidity and mortality in Africa subsaharan region, which Nigeria is part of. We are all aware that Meningitis is usually given to people when there is an outbreak, we are not waiting for outbreak to occur. On behalf of development partners I want to assure the government of our support, we will provide technical leadership and support in health related interventions” wada stated.
The deputy chairman council of Traditional rulers, HRH Engr. Saleh Mohammed, Mai Kaltungo, he emphasized the need for traditional rulers to mobilise members of their community in the combat of Meningitis “We must endeavour to mobilise our people to benefit from this health initiative. The wellness of our children is a collective responsibility” he added.
Dignitaries present includes permanent Secretary ministry of health, representative of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, the host emir of Yamaltu Deba and others