By Emmanuel Kehinde,Ilorin.
The Kwara Deputy Governor, Mr Kayode Alabi,has reiterated commitment of the state government to partner with Agencies and Nongovernmental organisations (NGOs),on surveillance and prevention of COVID-19 and other diseases across the 16 local government area of the state.
Alabi made the pledge in his remark on Tuesday in Ilorin while receiving members of the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), United States Centre for Disease Control (USCDC) and the United State Agency for International Development.
He commended the various agencies and organisations for supporting the state government in areas of health, best practices on training of health workers, surveillance and immunization.
The Deputy Governor also reiterated the support of the administration to ensure prioritization of health of all the citizens in Kwara.
Also speaking, Dr Nusirat Elelu, Executive Secretary, Kwara State Primary health Care Development Agency commended AFENET,for setting up office in Kwara and giving necessary support through routine immunization.
According to her, the government is ready to partner with these agencies to revolutionize the health sector.
Elelu disclosed that two states: Kwara and Adamawa were selected by AFENET, as beneficiaries of COVID-19 Aid.
She added that eight local government areas in the would be supported through training of health workers, adding that at least, the state is targeting 50 per cent to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Earlier, Dr Endie Waziri, National Coordinator of AFENET, Abuja noted that the agency had commenced full operations in Kwara state, on surveillance and prevention of diseases through vaccination.
According to her, the agency was involved during the advent of COVID-19 pandemic through support in preventive measures and contact tracing.
Also speaking, Dr Omotayo Bolu, Programme Director for Immunization, United State Centre for Diseases Control, observed that Kwara was strategic in North Central and due to the commitment of the state government,a developmnt he said necessitated setting up office in the state.
She stated that the USCDC was also partnering and supporting the efforts of AFENET, through funding in areas of COVID-19, polio and routine immunization on diseases.
Bolu emphasized the need for increased vaccination, while reiterating the support of the AFENET to support the state through social mobilisation to push community to get immunised.
Dr Melisa Freeman, the Deputy Director, Health, Population and Nutrition Office of United States Agency for International Development added that the agency would continue its support in treatment and management of Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDs across the country.
She added that more support would be given to ensure people in Kwara state get vaccinated against the COVID-19.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.