From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau
Zamfara state government is selected to receive the sum of Five hundred thousand United State Dollars (US$500,000) award from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, for becoming free polio state within the last two years.
The development was announced yesterday by the Zamfara state Director Primary health Care, ministry of health, Yusuf Musa, at a monthly routine meeting with all the 14 local government immunization officers, held at trade centre, Gusau, described the award as the outcome of routine immunization stakeholders commitment towards improving the health sector of the state.
Musa informed that the state has not recorded single polio compatible case within the last two years, adding that, the last four polio virus cases that was discovered in the state was in early 2012, which government and key stakeholders that strengthened their effort in ensuring the state becomes polio-free.
According to him, the Foundation has also agreed to invite the state governor as soon as possible to visit the United States of America for a colorful reception on the success recorded in the state.
It would be recalled that, in 2012, Zamfara had won USD750, 000 from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, for being the best routine immunization performing state among North-West states.
