Yobe State Primary Healthcare Management Board (YSPHCMB) in collaboration with Mercy Corps and Care International Wednesday Flagged-off Rotavirus and SCALES 3.0 COVID-19 vaccination campaign to ensure equitable access in the state.
The communications and learning specialist for Mercy Corps Nigeria, Grace Oguntade, said the event is coming at a crucial time, as the state receives additional COVID-19 vaccines.
She stated that the strategy was aimed at improving vaccination coverage by addressing challenges with service delivery, communication, accountability and logistics, all of which are key areas partners here are keen on supporting.
Oguntade noted that “Our interventions have looked at what bottom-up structures exist in the communities, and how can we adequately work with all the key stakeholders and influencers in government to solve these challenges.
“Yobe remains one of our most receptive states to work with and we’re looking at achieving all the gains outlined in the SCALES 3.0 campaign strategy.
“While we are pushing forward to get these launched across the LGAs, let us think through how we can better reach people with special needs and those in remote areas – what opportunities are there for us with the media, mobile technology, radio programmes and mobile carriers of information.”
Speaking at Gwange primary healthcare in Damaturu, the Executive Secretary, YSPHCMB, Dr. Babagana Kundi Machina, said the project is highly commendable.
Machina disclosed that Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe diarrheal disease and childhood death in children below the age of 5 years worldwide.
He called on parents and caregivers in the state to visit any of the health facilities where integrated health services are currently being provided in the state.
“It is our hope that together we shall attain greater heights and have a healthier population,” he added.
