Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has directed all 27 Local Government Area (LGA) Chairmen to intensify awareness and implementation of key immunisation campaigns, including Routine Immunisation, In-Between Rounds, and Integrated Measles campaigns.
The directive was issued during a high-level strategic meeting held at the Government House, Maiduguri, with traditional rulers, local government officials, and development partners in attendance.
“I hereby direct all Local Government Chairmen to step up campaigns on Routine Immunisation, In-Between Rounds, and other health interventions across the state,” Zulum stated. “Attendance at evening review meetings is now mandatory for all LGA Chairmen.”
Governor Zulum also called on traditional rulers, led by the Shehu of Borno, to continue mobilising their communities in support of immunisation efforts, particularly against polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s healthcare system, even as the tripartite agreement between the Borno State Government, Aliko Dangote Foundation, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation ended in December 2024.
“All our counterpart funds have been fully paid and we remain up to date,” Zulum said. “We will continue to provide the political will and resources required for effective healthcare delivery.”
He further pledged to ensure adequate security for immunisation teams to reach hard-to-access and insecure areas across the state.
Highlighting the state’s investment in healthcare personnel, the governor announced that 500 out of 1,400 indigent students sponsored to study nursing and midwifery will graduate by the end of the year a move aimed at boosting human resources for health in the state.
Executive Secretary of the Borno State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Professor Mohammed Arab Alhaji, gave a comprehensive update on the state’s immunisation programmes and the PHC Leadership Challenge Fund.
The initiative is aligned with the Seattle Declaration, a commitment by Nigerian governors made in 2019 to improve Primary Healthcare outcomes through accountability and performance tracking.
Professor Arab called for, improved security in hard-to-reach communities, stronger compliance enforcement by traditional rulers on immunisation, strengthened participation in evening review meetings by LGA Chairmen, and measures to curb misuse of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF)
He also commended the state government for its consistent support, including the timely release of counterpart funds, recruitment of 859 health workers, and provision of medical supplies across PHC facilities.
The meeting was part of ongoing efforts to boost immunisation coverage, enhance the effectiveness of Primary Healthcare services, and ensure that no community in Borno is left behind in the fight against preventable diseases.