The Coordinating Minister of Health Professor Ali Mohammad Pate has expressed worry over the emergence of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) in Kano.
Professor Pate who raised the concern on Wednesday lamented the surge of cVDPV in Kano potent high risk of deadly wild poliovirus 10 years after the country declared free of the virus.
The Minister spoke during his courtesy to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at Kano Government house cited zero dose vaccination, lack of commitment and non -compliance to details as well as fake finger mark as part of the failure.
Professor Pate explained that Kano has been an epic centre of viral diseases including diphtheria, minigitis and maternal and newborn mortality, added that Federal Government collaboration with state government to curb the spread.
He was particularly worried about the present rate of maternal and newborn death which he said is above national average, assured Federal government support to supply vaccines, provide emergency ambulance, and reduce cost of pharmaceutical.
Responding, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reiterated commitment to partnership with Federal Government to eradicate circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus.
Governor Yusuf equally indicated readiness to sustain collaboration with Gate foundation and Aliko Dangote foundation to check the lapses in the fight against the virus.
Governor Yusuf, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Alh. Faruq Umar Ibrahim, disclosed that the partnership becomes pertinent at a period his administration is commitment to improve the health population of Kano.
Governor Yusuf reminded that while the administration celebrate successes recorded within a short period of stay, he is not unaware of the challenges in healthcare system including polio and maternal and newborn mortality.
Yusuf vowed to redouble efforts on far reaching immunization program to capture missing children, strength capacity of healthcare workers and improve supply chain management to achieve overall goals.
He added that his administration has restore counterparts funding on routine immunization to cover the zero dose inherited from the immediate past government and sustain investment on Primary Health Care system.
