Also, in efforts to improve quality, efficacy and storage of vaccines, the government said it will provide cold stores in rural areas to ensure children at the grassroots level get vaccinated on time.
Briefing Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal on progress of the ongoing immunisation efforts in Sokoto, the state commissioner of Health, Dr. Shehu Kakale, said renewed commitment by the government has resulted in reaching many remote locations for the administering of vaccines on children.
A statement issued by Tambuwal’s spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, quoted Kakale as saying that stakeholders in the health sector have commended Sokoto government and have now adopted the ‘Tambuwal Initiative’ in enhancing the work of health field officers in their localities.
“The Tambuwal Initiative came about after the Governor introduced new measures to boost immunisation and healthcare activities. These measures include setting aside two hours of his time every month to chair the meeting of the steering committee on immunisation in the state, directing top government functionaries, led by the Deputy Governor, to chair the bi-monthly meeting on polio.
“Also, the initiative ensures that the Governor, through the ministry for local government, takes charge of the payment of entitlements of officials for Routine Immunisation (RI) and Immunisation Plus Day (IPDs), personally taking charge of engagement with all non-compliant communities and assigning all local government areas to cabinet members to ensure hands-on approach in dealing with immunisation and other health issues,” Kakale added.
The Commissioner said even though there are cases of parents skeptical about having their children immunised, the number has reduced drastically, due to enlightenment campaigns and community dialogue embarked upon by the state government in collaboration with religious and traditional leaders.