By Lola Seriki-Idahosa, Kaduna Tracereporters –As the World Health Organisation (WHO) marks 75 years of existence, Kaduna state has lists some of its achievements in the health care delivery and also roll out activities to commemorate the 75th Anniversary.
The activities which commence on Tuesday and held in Kaduna featured a press conference, cutting of the anniversary cake, walk out by the medical personnel.
Acknowledging the achievements of WHO in the State, was the Commissioner for Health, Amina Baloni who listed, improved Routine Immunization coverage and accelerated COVID-19 vaccination as well as reduced incidence of vaccine preventive diseases.
The Commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Adamu Mansur, noted that WHO had been instrumental in providing technical support for disease surveillance and Outbreak Response activities in the State.
According to the commissioner, “It has also supported the State to strengthen its health system to better the needs of the people”.
While pledging to adhere strictly to the policies and guidelines of WHO, Baloni also thanked the organization for the continued support in improving the health and well being of the people.
She expressed optimism for continued partnership in building a healthier and more prosperous Kaduna State.
On his part, Representative of the World Health Organization, Dr. Ummey Gregory who spoke on the primary role of the organization, reaffirmed the Commitment of the body to continue to support Kaduna State with policy implementation, leadership, technical and training as well as funding.
The primary functions and interventions, he emphasized, include Polio immunization, malaria, HIV and other infectious diseases.
“WHO will provide adhoc support whenever called upon or when the need arises”, he said.
The Day which is celebrated 7th April of every year, has as its theme, “Health For All” and is to draw global attention to specific issue of health concern to people, It also aims at raising awareness of health concerns and accelerate advancement.
It will be recalled that the global health authority has urged countries to promote health equity in the face of unprecedented threats to mankind.
In a statement to commemorate the day, the Director-General of WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, urged governments and leaders to take action to protect and invest in health and care workers who are at the forefront of the response to health and climate emergencies.
WHO would mark its 75th anniversary, along with its 194 Member-states and other partners on April 7, 2023.
Seventy-five years ago, in the aftermath of the deadliest and most destructive war in human history, the Constitution of the WHO came into force via a treaty between the nations of the world, who recognised that health was not only a fundamental human right, but also fundamental to peace and security.
Ghebreyesus said over the past seven and a half decades, there has been extraordinary progress in protecting people from diseases and destruction, including smallpox eradication, reducing the incidence of polio by 99 per cent, saving millions of lives through childhood immunisation, declines in maternal mortality and improving health and well-being for millions more.
“The history of WHO demonstrates what is possible when nations come together for a common purpose,” said Ghebreyesus.
The WHO Director-General added: “We have much to be proud of, but much work to do to realise our founding vision of the highest attainable standard of health for all people.
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