(DDM) – Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has directed the chairmen of all 27 local government areas to scale up immunisation campaigns across the state.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) confirmed that the governor issued the directive during a strategic meeting with traditional rulers, health officials, and development partners at the Government House in Maiduguri.
Zulum tasked the council chairmen to strengthen awareness on Routine Immunisation, In-Between Rounds, and the Integrated Measles campaign.
He further instructed them to attend compulsory evening review meetings aimed at tracking progress and identifying challenges in each council.
According to him, traditional rulers must continue to sensitize their communities on the dangers of vaccine-preventable diseases such as polio and measles.
The governor pledged that his administration would sustain funding and provide political will to drive effective healthcare delivery through the state’s Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).
Zulum noted that although the tripartite agreement with the Aliko Dangote Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation ended in December 2024, Borno State will sustain the programme.
He disclosed that counterpart funding obligations had been met and that his government would ensure continuity of immunisation services.
Security, he said, will be strengthened in hard-to-reach areas to guarantee access for vaccinators and residents.
The governor also highlighted the government’s investment in human resources for health, noting that 1,400 indigent students are currently studying nursing and midwifery, with 500 set to graduate by year’s end.
Executive Secretary of the Borno State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Professor Mohammed Arab Alhaji, briefed the meeting on immunisation updates and the PHC Leadership Challenge Fund.
He explained that the initiative was part of the Seattle Declaration signed by governors in 2019 to strengthen accountability and improve health outcomes across Nigeria.
Prof. Arab called for greater support from traditional rulers to tackle non-compliance with immunisation, especially polio vaccines, and urged LG chairmen to reinforce review meetings.
He also warned against the misuse of Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), a critical intervention for malnourished children.
Prof. Arab commended Zulum for prompt release of counterpart funds, absorption of 859 health workers, provision of drugs, and upgrading PHC infrastructure.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur, who chairs the State Taskforce on Immunisation, alongside prominent traditional rulers including the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi.
Other attendees included the Shehu of Dikwa, the Emirs of Biu, Askira Uba, Gwoza, Shani, and Uba, as well as top commissioners and development partners.
Observers say Zulum’s directive could significantly improve Borno’s immunisation coverage, especially as insecurity continues to pose challenges in rural communities.
Public health experts note that strengthening routine immunisation is vital for Borno, a state still recovering from years of Boko Haram insurgency that disrupted health systems and displaced millions.
They warn that any lapses could expose children to outbreaks of polio, measles, and other preventable diseases.
The governor’s renewed focus on healthcare delivery comes at a time when Nigeria is striving to maintain its polio-free status after being certified in 2020.