Immunization Coverage: 3 best perform LGA’S receives award in Zamfara.

From our reporter 

The Zamfara state Government has unveiled survey findings on immunization,Reproductive and WASH coverage,declared three local local government areas as  best  performed in the state. 

The Permanent Secretary Zamfara State Ministry of Health Pharm Aliyu Maikiyo Maradun led the signing of the unveiled survey document during a two day activity tagged  "Zamfara State Immunization  Coverage Survey Findings held in Sokoto.  

"With this signing it signifies the validation of the survey findings in  the state ".

The 2day occasion which ended today was organized by Zamfara State Ministry of Health in collaboration with State Primary Health Care Board and supported by UNICEF and GAVI 

The Permanent Secretary,  Zamfara State Ministry of Health Pharm. Aliyu Muhammad Maikiyo Maradun who represented the Commissioner of the Ministry Hon. Aliyu Abubakar MC said the decision to conduct the survey and its subsequent unveiling was to make stakeholders at LGA levels know their performances on immunization.

According  to Pharm Maikiyo  the survey was the best of its kind conducted in the State, pointing out that the findings would in no small measure boost the State scorecard not only on immunizations but on other health issues. 

He assured the State Government readiness to continue to prioritize the health sector in the state. 

He further diclosed that recently, the ministry has signed memorandum of understanding with some reputable partners including Chigari Foundation and Fund for Global Health to strengthen primary health care activities in the state. 

"Hence there is need for local government coordinators of Primary Health Care to be alive to their responsibilities in the state".

He commended the consulting firm, ACE Strategy and Consult Limited for making a thorough and robust survey despite challenges of insecurity and called on them to sustain the successes recorded in their future engagements.

Earlier,the Executive Secretary State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Tukur Isma’il said the board has engaged the consulting firm to conduct the survey with a view to identify challenges that continue to be the bottle neck of immunization coverage at Local government and ward levels.

Dr. Isma’il said the survey would complement the series of capacity building and rigorous engagement being given to Stakeholders at LGA levels on how to improve performances.

Also, Deputy Clerk and Secretary House Committee on Health, Mahmud Aliyu said the State Assembly is determined to ensure adequate budgetary provision and legislation to support PHC services in which immunization activities are inclusive.

The Chief of Field Office UNICEF Sokoto, Mariam Moreso presented goodwill message pointed out that the state was ahead of sister states across the field office in terms of proper planning and prudent utilization of funds.

Other speakers at the event were the representative of Chigari Foundation Alhaji Yusuf A Musa Mafara and Dr. Danjuma Nhemeyer who assured partners to sustain support to Primary Health Care as well as the health sector in the state. 

In their seperate presentations, Project Coordinator ACE Strategy and Consult Limited Dr. Anuluwako Abdullahi and Dr. Hafiz said the survey was conducted at ward level covering the entire LGAs in the state.

Some of challenges affecting immunization coverage as pointed by the survey included insecurity, disbelief by some households, demand and supply issue and lack of adequate awareness among others.

During the occasion the State Ministry of Health has presented trophies to the three best performing LGAs for their outstanding performances.

"Gummi Local Government Area (LGA) awarded best in Immunization coverage, Anka LGA best in Reproductive, Maternal,Newborn and Child Health(RMNCH + N) while Shinkafi LGA was honoured as Best in WASH programme Inn the state".