Pate Indulges Stakeholders As Diphtheria Spreads To 19 States

Eko Hot Blog reports that Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, says 98 per cent of unvaccinated children were infected with diphtheria in 19 states.

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Prof. Pate disclosed this during the quarterly review meeting at the Northern Traditional Leaders’ Committee on Primary Health Care Service Delivery on Wednesday in Abuja

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports, the meeting which was organised by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, is a platform for the NPHCDA and its partners to engage traditional leaders on their roles and responsibilities towards improving primary healthcare delivery in their communities.

Reacting to the surge of the disease, the minister called for the implementation of a rapid vaccination campaign, especially across the19 states, where the cases are predominant in order to save the lives of vulnerable children.

Pate said that the ministry and other stakeholders had come together to aggressively tackle the diphtheria challenge that had persisted for months and efforts were being made to contain the outbreak and at the same time prevent further spread.

“The key focus of these collaborative efforts is to improve local governance and enhance delivery of essential services.

“This involves including all relevant stakeholders in the conversation, not just the Federal Government.

“Leaders at all levels, including your highnesses and representatives from the private sector, are actively working together to address the pressing diphtheria issue that affects our people,” he said.

In addition, Pate described the upcoming launch of the Human Papillomavirus vaccine scheduled to hold later in October would be a major milestone in the medicine in the country.

“This vaccine not only aims to prevent cervical cancer in the years to come but also emphasises the importance of engaging our royal fathers and strengthening the health system to ensure efficient delivery of vaccines.

“It acknowledges that different population segments require different approaches with childhood vaccination programmes catering for younger age groups, and COVID-19 vaccinations targeting adults,” he said.

He asserted that technical experts involved in the efforts had reassured the country of the safety and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine.

“Their expertise and responses to various questions have instilled confidence in recommending its utilisation to protect our girls and prevent future health complications,” he said.

“The unity and evidence-based decision-making exhibited by all members involved in this venture highlight the commitment to address health challenges and protect the well-being of all Nigerians.

“This united front signifies a significant step forward in addressing the ongoing health challenge and paves the way for a more coordinated and effective response.

“With the combined efforts of state governments, other stakeholders and technical experts, there is optimism that this collaborative approach will yield positive outcomes and bring about much-needed solutions to improve public health,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to traditional leaders across the country for longstanding support of public health initiatives.