The World Health Organization on Wednesday commended the Kano State government for its rapid response to arrest the diphtheria outbreak, describing it as a role model in the fight against the disease.
The WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, Walter Kasadi said the state has displayed exemplary leadership in response against the disease.
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Kasadi who made this known when the delegation paid a working visit on the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf at the Kano State government House, however called on other states to follow suit.
According to him, “Kano is an epicenter for diphtheria, but we have seen so far exemplary in rapid response. All agencies, sectors, partners working around and implement a diphtheria response effort. And that is an example as to how to work together.
“We hope other states will follow suit and harness these successes.
“Obviously, Kano has a great potential of revitalizing of the Primary Health Care, PHC which has been put fore by WHO to accelerate health.
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“Diphtheria is just a wake up call that we have to revisit the foundation of the PHC, multi-sector policy and action, community empowerment and engagement.
“What we have seen here is an example of political will or commitment,” Kasadi said.
Earlier in his remark, Governor AbbaYusuf appreciated their concern, especially the selection of the state to be among the visiting states.
He said Kano people are among the most vulnerable people in terms of health care and poverty resources .
“Your intervention at this material time was very timely , I commend the efforts of development partners ,especially in the fight a giant HIV, tuberculosis, malaria and other diseases.”he said
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Governor Yusuf noted that since his assumption in office efforts have been put in place in the payment of counterpart funding, and ensuring effective service delivery in the health sector.
“When we came onboard I met several abnormalities in the sector, one of the historic podiatric hospitals we have was sold to an individual by the past administration, but we have recovered the facility and is fully being utilized,” he said.
