Jigawa receives recognition for commitments to public health
Jigawa State has received recognition from global health organisations for its unwavering commitment to the health sector.
In a press release by the media aide of the state, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, the Governor Mallam Umar Namadi welcomed a delegation led by the World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Director, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mutombo, along with representatives from the European Commission, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Federal Ministry of Health, and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
Dr. Mulombo praised Jigawa State’s commitment and efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in achieving commendable COVID-19 vaccine coverage. He called for a more enabling environment for donor partners to implement interventions, emphasizing the importance of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the state.
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Dr. Mulombo expressed appreciation for the state’s renewed strategy and leadership and commended the Jigawa State Government for its counterpart funding, reflecting the state’s ownership and commitment to improving healthcare outcomes. The WHO will continue to support Jigawa State in maintaining its Wild Polio Virus (WPV)-free status.
Furthermore, the WHO delegation urged the Jigawa State Government to double its efforts in bridging gaps in human resources for health, increase budgetary allocation for disease surveillance and emergency response, and address high rates of maternal and infant mortality, as well as other unnecessary and preventable deaths in the state.
WHO also appealed for the domestication and implementation of health policies in the state, along with strengthening community participation and ownership, to drive continuous improvement in health outcomes across Jigawa State.
Responding, Governor Mallam Umar Namadi extended his appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Health, NPHCDA, WHO, UNICEF, and the European Commission for their invaluable support to Jigawa State through various health interventions. These interventions have brought significant improvements to the health and well-being of the citizens of Jigawa State, he said.
The Governor recognised that the various supports provided by these development partners over the years have helped immensely in protecting the population of the state. Notably, Jigawa State has maintained one of the highest COVID-19 vaccine coverage rates in the country, setting a remarkable example for others to follow.
Governor Malam Umar Namadi emphasized that these interventions align perfectly with the state’s health sector priorities.
