The Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, on Monday received the Chief Executive Officer of the Vaccine Network for Disease Control, Chika Kemi Offor, in his office.
During the meeting, both parties discussed strategies to eradicate zero-dose cases among children in the state. The deputy governor commended the Vaccine Network for Disease Control for continuing the work initiated by GAVI in advancing polio vaccination coverage in Gombe.
Jatau reiterated the state’s commitment to prioritising health, acknowledging its central role in driving development across other sectors of the economy. He highlighted key health initiatives undertaken by the administration, including the upgrade of the state’s school of nursing through the establishment of a new facility capable of accommodating more students and offering bachelor’s degrees in nursing to address the shortage of healthcare personnel.
He also mentioned the construction of two primary healthcare centres in each of the state’s 114 political wards. Upon completion later this year, this initiative will bring the total number of primary health centres in the state to 228.
The deputy governor urged the Vaccine Network to explore the potential of Nigeria’s rich herbal resources in vaccine production to reduce reliance on costly imported drugs.
Jatau used the occasion to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the recent takeover and upgrade of the Specialist Hospital in Kumo to a Federal Medical Centre. He assured that the state government remains open to partnerships and collaboration with individuals, groups, and organisations committed to supporting its developmental goals.
“We are ready to partner, collaborate, and support anyone who shows commitment to complement our efforts. We are also ready to learn, to be advised, and to be constructively criticised, so long as it leads to the development of our state,” he added.
In her remarks, the CEO of the Vaccine Network for Disease Control, Chika Kemi Offor, said her team was in Gombe to discuss modalities for achieving zero-dose coverage among children. She cited the organisation’s successful efforts in Kwara State and expressed readiness to replicate the success in Gombe.
Offor commended the state government for paying counterpart funds and encouraged the inclusion of vaccine logistics in future state budgets.
She further recommended the establishment of technical working groups to facilitate the planning and implementation of vaccination programmes.
Also speaking, the Head of Programmes, Chika Nwankwo, stated that the Vaccine Network for Disease Control supports both national and subnational governments in achieving comprehensive vaccination coverage. She stressed the importance of building sustainable systems that empower communities to take ownership of vaccination efforts, with the Network serving as facilitators of the process.
Shedding more light on the collaborative efforts between the Vaccine Network for Disease Control Organisation and Government of Gombe State, the coordinator of civil society organisation in the state, Mr Ibrahim Yusuf, appreciated the cordial working relationship with the Government of Gombe State under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya because of his passion on health issues being his priority.And assured the team’s commitment to deliver its best in the area of their focus.
Jack.A.Tasha
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity,
(Deputy Governor’s Office)
