By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The World Health Organization (WHO) has donated laboratory commodities, surveillance and data tools to Cross River Government to strengthen surveillance systems, improve routine immunization and other primary healthcare services across the state
The State Coordinator of the WHO in Cross River, Dr. Ibrahim Salisu, while handing over the items to the Commissioner, Ministry of Health in the state, Dr. Henry Egbe-Ayuk, congratulated him for successful completion of the Polio Outbreak Response Assessment conducted by a team of international experts.
“First, I would like to congratulate the Cross River government on the successful completion of the Polio Outbreak Response (OBR) assessment conducted by a team of international experts some weeks ago. Apparently, the preliminary report of the assessment has given us an insight into what is working well and what needs to be improved in our outbreak response systems”.
“We are donating these items and commodities to the government of Cross River as part of WHO Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen the Surveillance systems across the state, improve Routine Immunization and other PHC services as well ensure basic commodities are available in the health facilities to respond to public health emergencies”.
“We are determined to see that Surveillance and RI activities in refugee settlements and border communities in Bakassi, Akpabuyo, Etung, Obanliku LGAs, etc. are significantly scaled up. We are also working to strengthen collaborations between the Government of Nigeria, the Republic of Cameroon, and other neighboring Countries in the OBR activities and information sharing” he said.
Dr. Salisu used the opportunity to thank the Commissioner for his strong leadership and commitment to strengthening the entire health system as well called on the community leaders, traditional leaders, partners, and other stakeholders to continue sensitizing the people and mobilize resources to support the government’s efforts in preventing the outbreak of Vaccine-Preventable diseases.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe-Ayuk while receiving the donations, thanked the State Coordinator and WHO for their significant support to the Ministry in strengthening the health system in Cross River state.
He further said “we acknowledges the support provided by WHO to all the health agencies, as they strive to ensure that every Cross Riverian has access to quality health care”
Dr Ayuk further pledged to ensure judicious use of the resources donated by the WHO. The Commissioner was accompanied by the Director of Administration, Director Public Health and other Senior officials from the ministry.
