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Chinwendu Nnadozie
As part of efforts to prevent outbreak of diseases, child related cases in particular through surveillance and emergency preparedness across the three Senatorial districts, Niger state government has organised a town hall meetings for 350 community, traditional and religious leaders across six selected Local Government Areas (LGAs).
This is coming as report had that there are three new cases of polio in Magama and Mariga LGAs respectively and as well, undisclosed number of diphtheria cases in Bida, Chanchaga and Suleja LGAs.
Niger state Immunization Officer, Alhaji Abubakar Kpantu disclosed this during a town hall meeting on, Public Health Emergency Disease Prevention and Response, organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United States of America (USA) government.
Kpantu disclosed this said the meeting is to evolve wholistic approach to check all forms of child related disease outbreak, adding that, “For years we had not recorded any cases of polio, but recently, three cases were detected in Mariga and Magama LGAs while other cases of diphtheria have been recorded in Suleja, Bida and Chanchaga LGAs.
He said, “Recent discoveries of the diseases calls for increased vigilance and renewed commitments to routine immunization and community awareness”.
“Since the rainy season began, health authorities are closely monitoring any possible outbreak of children’s diseases such as cholera and any other communicable diseases.”
The event which took place in; Kontagora, Bida, Bosso, Chanchaga, Gbako, Gurara and Suleja LGAs brought together stakeholders in the health sector, community, traditional and religious leaders, development partners, and as well residents to discuss strategies for preventing and responding to public health emergencies.
“The town hall meetings is aimed at enhancing community awareness and preparedness. Awareness is very key in addressing likely diseases outbreak like meningitis, measles, diphtheria, cholera, Mpox, and others”.
Earlier in his presentation, the UNICEF Social and Behaviour Change State Facilitator, Comrade Adamu Mamba enlightened participants on the importance of early disease detection, prompt reporting of suspected cases, and as well adherence to public health guidelines to avoid spread of such diseases.
He emphasized the roles of traditional, religious, and community leaders in strengthening public health emergency response through effective Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE).
Community participation, according to him is vital to improving vaccine acceptance, supporting outbreak response efforts, promoting accurate health information, and also countering misinformation through fact-based communications and trusted community voices.
He therefore urged participants to support outbreak response activities, promote preventive health practices, and as well strengthen community feedback mechanisms.
