*WHO assures of support
By; SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri
Borno State Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Professor Baba Malam Gana has said that several diseases are on the verge of eradication and elimination, including polio, guinea worm as well as maternal and neonatal tetanus in the state.
He also added that the number of new HIV infections and AIDS–related deaths decreased across the state, and the number of TB deaths have also decreased.
Professor Malam Gana stated this at an event to commemorate 2024 World Health Day in Maiduguri, held at Pinnacle Hotel and Luxury Banquet Hall Pompomari with the theme, “2024 World Health Day is My Health My Right.”
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Babagana Kadai, the Commissioner further confirmed that maternal mortality ratio and mortality of child under five have also reduced.
“The number of new HIV infections and AIDS–related deaths decreased across the state, and the number of TB deaths also decreased.
“We will continue to work with you all to strengthen health governance and combat discrimination and inequalities in health; we will continue to collaborate across sectors on bold situations toward the universal coverage of high-quality healthcare for everyone.
“Several infectious diseases such as polio, guinea worm, maternal and neonatal tetanus are at the verge of elimination in the state,” Gana said.
He however, noted that the state government has recorded significant progress in ensuring better health outcomes for the people who have suffered more than ten years of insurgency.
World Health Organization (WHO) State Coordinator, Dr. Ibrahim Salisu, also said the organisation and other partners have been providing technical and financial support to the Borno State government to rehabilitate health facilities, provision of drugs and commodities including routine Immunisation.
He assured that WHO will continue to sustain its support to the state government to enable Borno state achieve universal health coverage and the people access affordable services.
“Disparities in the coverage of key reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health interventions remain significant, with the rural dweller, the poor and those in hard-to-reach areas being the most disadvantaged ” Salisu stressed.
Executive Secretary, State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Professor Mohammed Arab called on partners to work together with the government to strengthen the health system especially at the primary healthcare level.
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