Borno closes 3-month youth-led vaccination advocacy

From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri

Borno State has closed the three months youth-led advocacy programme to tackle zero dose and boost immunization campaign in some communities in the state.

Executive Secretary, Borno State Primary Healthcare Development Board (SPHCDB), Prof Muhammad Arab, announced this at the close up ceremony of the programme in Maiduguri yesterday.

Arab said the programme, tagged, ‘Adopt A Primary Health Care (AdoptAPHCNaija Challenge),’ mobilised and trained 30 youth advocates, who worked tirelessly across 10 primary healthcare centres in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area.

Represented by the Director of Disease Control, Arab said the programme was implemented by the Foundation for Alternative Learning in Underserved Communities with support from UNICEF and the Government of Canada

“What makes today special is that this challenge represents the spirit of collaboration and innovation that drives our work,” he said.

He said the Borno Government remains fully committed to strengthening primary healthcare as the foundation of an equitable health system.

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Health Specialist, Dr. Hassan Saidu Malgwi, said the tireless efforts of the youth volunteers had contributed to bringing the state closer to a future where every child is protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.

“This three-month challenge has been a testament to the power of youth-led advocacy, partnership, volunteerism, innovation and community-driven solutions,” he declared.

He said the advocates have reached the unreached, mobilised groups and communities and inspired a new wave of champions for child health through their creativity, passion and dedication.

“UNICEF commends each one of you for your unwavering commitment to this cause. Your energy is contagious and your impact will be felt for generations to come,” he said.