From Mustapha Adamu, Kano
The World Health Organization (WHO) has commended the Kano State government over it rapid response against diphtheria outbreak, describing it as a role model in the fight against the disease.
WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, Walter Kasadi said the state has displayed exemplary effort in response against the disease.
Kasadi, who stated this when Global Health Partners paid a courtesy visit on the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf at the government house yesterday, 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.
“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.
In his remarks, the Coordinating Minister of health, Professor Mohammad Ali Pate has said Federal government is committed to crush the ugly trend of malaria and it’s growing burden on the health population in Nigeria.
Professor Pate reeled out the worrying data on Wednesday in Kano when he led delegations of Global Health Partners on courtesy visit to Kano state government.
The Minister disclosed the commitment of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration on quality healthcare system attracted the intervention of Global Health Partners with the commitment of $2 billion grant financing to fight Malaria, Tuberculosis and AIDs in the country.
