Diphtheria outbreak:WHO lauds Kano Government’s efforts
Diphtheria
By Aminu Garko
Kano , The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday commended the Kano State Government for its political commitment in arresting the diphtheria outbreak in some parts of the state.
The WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, Walter Kasadi, who made the commendation when he paid a working visit to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the Government House,Kano,on Wednesday.
Kasadi said the state had displayed exemplary leadership in bringing the epidemic to a stand still in some parts of the state.
Kasali described Kano State as a role model in the fight against the disease.
He,however, called on other states in the federation to emulate the Kano example in demonstrating political commitment and provide the required modern health facilities in heath institutions in the state.
According to him, “Kano is an epicenter for diphtheria, but we have seen so far is exemplary in its quick rapid response to the disease.
” All agencies, sectors, partners are working around and implementing a diphtheria response effort. And that is an example as of how to work together.
“We hope other states will follow suit and harness these successes.
“Obviously, Kano has a great potential of revitalizing 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.
Earlier, Governor Abba Yusuf told the Global fund delegations that the state government would continue to accord priority attention toward the provision of state-of-the art equipment in its health care hospitals across the 44 Local Government Areas of the state
