By: TUNDE BOLAJI MINNA.
Niger State Taskforce on Primary Healthcare (PHC) and Immunization, chaired by the State Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, at the end of its third quarterly meeting for 2025 to assess progress and develop new strategies for strengthening healthcare delivery across the state.
The meeting, held at the conference room of the Deputy Governor’s office, was presided over by the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed Dangana, on behalf of the Deputy Governor.
During the meeting, which brought together taskforce members and development partners, participants reviewed key achievements recorded in the quarter under review.
These included successful immunization campaigns, capacity building for frontline health workers, and the implementation of strategic agreements such as the Gavi-UNICEF Memorandum of Understanding.
Plans were also finalized for the introduction of the Measles-Rubella vaccine, scheduled for rollout in October.
While speaking to journalists at the end of the meeting, Dr. Dangana highlighted the cholera outbreak in parts of the state as one of the major challenges faced during the quarter.
He explained that the Ministry of Primary Healthcare, in collaboration with UNICEF, WHO, and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), activated emergency response and disaster preparedness teams to contain the epidemic.
Cholera Treatment Centers were established across all 25 local government areas, stocked with essential drugs, intravenous fluids, and consumables, and treatment was provided free of charge to all affected individuals.
The Commissioner noted that extensive community sensitization campaigns were carried out in partnership with the media, focusing on hand washing, sanitation, and proper waste disposal.
He commended the media for its vital role in curbing the outbreak through public education and awareness.
In addition, the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) unit intervened by supplying potable water to severely affected communities, while the State Ministry of Environment intensified waste evacuation efforts.
These coordinated measures helped bring the outbreak under control, although lives were unfortunately lost.
On the upcoming Measles-Rubella vaccine campaign, Dr. Dangana announced that it will be implemented across all 25 local government areas and championed by the state’s First Lady, Hajiya Fatima Umar Bago.
He emphasized the importance of support from traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders, and urged parents and guardians to ensure their children are vaccinated, stressing that immunization remains one of the most effective ways to prevent childhood diseases.
The quarterly PHC taskforce meeting reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery through collaboration with partners, continuous training, and active community engagement.
