The Borno State government has recently signed a new agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) aimed at enhancing the prevention and management of public health diseases within the state.
This collaborative effort, as articulated by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Prof Baba Malam Gana, during a ceremony marking the 2024 World Health Day in the state capital, Maiduguri, seeks to elevate the standard of healthcare delivery to all residents of the state.
In his address, Prof Baba Malam Gana, represented by the permanent secretary, Alhaji Babagana Kadai, emphasized the significance of the partnership in bolstering health governance and addressing issues of discrimination and health inequalities.
“We will continue to work with you all to strengthen health governance and combat discrimination and inequalities in health; we will continue to collaborate across sectors on bold situations toward the universal coverage of high-quality healthcare for everyone,”
The overarching goal is to foster a comprehensive approach towards ensuring universal access to high-quality healthcare for all individuals across the state.
Expressing optimism, Prof Gana highlighted the progress made in combating infectious diseases such as polio, guinea worm, maternal and neonatal tetanus, citing a noticeable reduction in the incidence of these ailments.
Furthermore, he underscored positive trends in the reduction of new HIV infections, AIDS-related deaths, and tuberculosis mortality rates, indicating substantial strides towards the eradication and elimination of several diseases.
Dr. Ibrahim Salisu, the WHO State Coordinator, echoed these sentiments, affirming the organization’s commitment to providing technical and financial support for the rehabilitation of health facilities and the provision of essential drugs and supplies for routine immunization efforts.
Dr. Salisu reiterated WHO’s unwavering dedication to sustaining its support and interventions in Borno State, with the ultimate objective of attaining universal health coverage and ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare services to all residents.
Despite progress, challenges persist, particularly concerning disparities in the coverage of crucial reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health interventions.
Addressing these disparities remains a priority as part of the ongoing efforts to achieve equitable access to healthcare services for all segments of the population in Borno State.
