Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has mandated the chairpersons of all 27 Local Government Areas to intensify public education efforts on Routine Immunisation, In-Between Rounds, and the Integrated Measles vaccination campaign.
He further urged traditional leaders to persistently engage their communities, emphasizing the critical role of immunisation in preventing polio and other vaccine-preventable illnesses.
This directive was issued during a strategic session held on Thursday at the Government House in Maiduguri, which brought together traditional rulers led by the Shehu of Borno, the Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), and key development partners to review Primary Healthcare initiatives.
“I am instructing all local government chairmen to enhance their efforts in promoting Routine Immunisation, In-Between Rounds, and related campaigns throughout the state. Attendance at evening review meetings is mandatory for all LGA Chairmen,” Governor Zulum emphasized.
He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to collaborating with stakeholders to guarantee the efficient delivery of Routine Immunisation and other essential services provided by Primary Healthcare Centres statewide.
“Although the tripartite partnership involving the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the state concluded in December 2024, the Borno State government remains committed to sustaining all ongoing activities,” the governor assured.
“We have fulfilled all counterpart funding obligations and remain current. Our government pledges unwavering support and political commitment to maintain a robust and effective healthcare delivery system for our citizens,” he added.
Addressing security concerns, Governor Zulum promised that adequate protection would be deployed to facilitate vaccination efforts in remote and hard-to-reach communities. “We will ensure security arrangements are in place so that vaccination teams can safely access these areas,” he stated.
Highlighting progress in healthcare capacity building, the governor noted a significant achievement with the sponsorship of 1,400 indigent students pursuing nursing and midwifery education, with 500 expected to graduate by year-end.
Prof. Mohammed Arab Alhaji, Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Board, provided an update on the immunisation campaign and the PHC Leadership Challenge Fund. He explained that this initiative is designed to fast-track the goals of the 2019 Seattle Declaration, where governors committed to enhancing Primary Healthcare through accountability and measurable health improvements.
Prof. Alhaji appealed for heightened security in vulnerable communities, stronger engagement by traditional leaders to address immunisation resistance, more rigorous participation of LGA Chairmen in Evening Review Meetings, and the implementation of controls to prevent the misuse of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF).
He expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum for the timely release of counterpart funds, provision of essential medicines and supplies at PHCs, recruitment of 859 health workers, and infrastructure development.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur, who also chairs the State Taskforce on Immunisation and Primary Healthcare; the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi; the Shehus of Dikwa and Bama; Emirs from Biu, Askira Uba, Gwoza, Shani, and Uba; as well as the Secretary to the State Government and Acting Chief of Staff.
Other participants included the Commissioners for Health, Local Government and Emirate Affairs, alongside representatives from development partner organizations.
