Polio: WHO Rates Adamawa High On Immunization

The World Health Organization (WHO) has commended Adamawa State’s level of preparedness in tackling poliomyelitis vaccination coverage.

The organisation says the state rates high among states in the North East.

Speaking during a polio review meeting in Yola, the State Coordinator of WHO, Dr. Ahemen Terseer said the state had scored above average due to government and stakeholders’ commitment in the fight against the disease.

Terseer expressed happiness with chairmen of the 21 LGAs and traditional institutions for their involvement in the fight to ensure the state maintains zero polio.

Earlier, the state government expressed satisfaction over the success recorded in the maternal newborn and child health week (MNCHW) held in December 2023.

The Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa George Farauta who is also the chairperson of Adamawa State Task Force on Primary Healthcare, disclosed that the state has recorded coverage of 103,102, and 102 percent of polio immunization during the October, November and December rounds respectively.

The Deputy Governor assured of Fresh Air administration’s commitment towards improving the health and well being of the people of Adamawa, noting that the government established new cottage hospitals to strengthen the health sector.

The Commissioner of Health, Chief Felix Tangwami and the state chairman of Primary Health Care Development Agency Dr Sulaiman Saidu commended the state government for the support and attention given to the health sector.

Speaking separately, the Director, Disease Control Dr Joseph Jacob and Hajiya Rashida Tahir,Director community health who gave the 2023 feedback on immunization, identified lack of support and cooperation from the local government.

Rashida revealed that in terms of maternal and child care they have successfully given 90 Percent vitamin A,96 percent coverage in deworming, 49 percent in multiple vitamin to pregnant women and 21.4 percent in anti malaria SP in the state.