The Adamawa State Government has raised fresh concerns over growing vaccine hesitancy across communities, blaming the trend on widespread misinformation, myths, and mistrust.
Speaking at the 2025 First Bi-Annual Meeting on Primary Health Care with traditional rulers in Yola, Deputy Governor Professor Kaletapwa Farauta warned that recurring measles outbreaks despite consistent immunization efforts underscore the urgent need for collective action.
“Government is committed beyond just reviewing our immunization strategy. We are focused on addressing the growing burden of disease outbreaks in our communities,” she said at the event, held at the Government House Banquet Hall.
Farauta urged Emirates and Chiefdoms to establish functional and regularly meeting primary health care (PHC) structures that work closely with the state PHC agency and are supported with data, training, and clear roles.
She also called on local government chairmen to demonstrate greater leadership, stating, “Neglect, delay, or politicization of PHC services at the local level is unacceptable.”
Also addressing stakeholders, Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Chief Felix Tangwami, commended the government’s support in boosting health sector outcomes.
He appealed to traditional leaders and stakeholders to reciprocate this effort by backing immunization campaigns in their domains.
Tangwami reassured residents of the safety and necessity of vaccines, describing them as vital tools for preventing disease outbreaks.
Meanwhile, Dr. Suleiman Bashir, Chairman of the Primary Health Care Development Agency, proposed the introduction of a biometric attendance system to address issues of multiple salary payments within the health sector.
According to Bashir, agency officials recently visited Gombe State to study its biometric payroll model, which has proven effective in enhancing accountability and reducing fraud.
“We are hopeful that the Adamawa State Government will adopt this strategy to strengthen health workforce management,” he said.
The meeting, monitored by WorldClass247News, underscored the importance of strong collaboration between government authorities, traditional institutions, and communities to build vaccine confidence and improve healthcare delivery across the state.