Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
Sokoto State Government on Tuesday renewed its determination to end the circulation of Vaccine Derived Poliovirus Type 2 (cVDPV2), reaffirming its commitment to protect children and strengthen public health systems across the state.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu gave the assurance during a strategic meeting with the President of Global Development at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr. Chris Elias, at the Government House, Sokoto.
He declared that his administration has adopted comprehensive strategies aimed at interrupting the transmission of Poliovirus Type 2 by 2026, signaling a bold step toward disease eradication.
The Governor explained that the renewed strategy includes intensified vaccination campaigns, improved disease surveillance, strengthened community engagement to counter vaccine hesitancy, and sustained routine immunisation coverage.
He stressed that routine immunisation remains a cornerstone of his administration’s healthcare agenda, noting that consistent coverage is critical to preventing outbreaks and improving child survival rates.
Governor Aliyu disclosed that the state government has released its 2024 Routine Immunisation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on counterpart-funding, reaffirming its resolve to ensure timely financial commitments in support of immunisation programs.
“We have procured essential equipment such as deep freezers, generators, and motorcycles to guarantee smooth and effective immunisation services across the state,” the Governor said.
In a bid to consolidate progress in primary healthcare delivery, Governor Aliyu appealed for the extension of the Primary Health Care (PHC) MoU to sustain ongoing gains.
He also sought additional support from development partners to address maternal and infant mortality, describing the reduction of preventable deaths as a critical priority.
The Governor highlighted recent investments in the health workforce, revealing that 1,500 nurses and midwives have been recruited over the past two years to strengthen service delivery in health facilities, including PHCs.
To bridge the healthcare access gap in rural communities, he announced the enforcement of a mandatory two-year rural posting policy for health workers, including medical doctors, to ensure equitable service distribution.
Governor Aliyu expressed appreciation to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Dangote Foundation, and other stakeholders for their sustained partnership in promoting quality healthcare in Sokoto State.
The meeting reinforced the importance of continued collaboration between the state government and development partners, with participants unanimously supporting deeper cooperation to achieve lasting improvements in healthcare delivery.
Those present at the meeting included Dr. Chris Elias of the Gates Foundation; Dr. Ahmed Iya of the Dangote Foundation; Dr. Uche, Programme Director of the Gates Foundation in Nigeria; and officials of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), among others.
