The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) said it will roll out a new community health influencers/volunteer scheme to enhance mobilization of Nigerians to routine immunization at the grassroots level.
The program, to be rolled out in Sokoto within weeks, will also deepen the fight against child killer diseases and at the same time create focal persons that will supervise immunization efforts.
NPHCDA’s Executive Director, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, stated this when he led his management team and partners to a courtesy visit to Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal in Sokoto.
The partners were led by the new USAID Mission Director in Nigeria, Mr. Stephen Haykin.
Shuaib said the decision to roll out the program in Sokoto came about as a result of the commitment of the state government to improve primary healthcare in particular and health services delivery in general.
“I am happy to say that the state government’s commitment to settle all outstanding financial commitments with partners has filled all financial gap in funding of projects. This has thrown the ball to our court and we are working to ensure full implementation of all projects on schedule,” the ED stated.
He added that the Federal Government has received request for technical support from the state government on routine immunisation and already that request is being implemented.
In his remarks, Tambuwal commended both USAID Nigeria and the NPHCDA for their commitment to improve health governance structures and well-being of the people of Sokoto.
“As the ED noted, we have no funding gap that has not been filled. Our biggest concern at the moment is data generation and interpretation. We are working with all partners to improve collection of data to ensure targeted persons get the required assistance they need,” the Governor said.
He said his administration has approved the establishment of ward development committees headed by traditional rulers and other influential persons to serve as focal persons in their communities.
