The Zamfara State Ministry of Health has held a one-day engagement meeting with immunisation partners to strengthen collaboration and address persistent challenges affecting immunisation performance across the state.

At the meeting, partners including the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, Solina, Sultan Foundation, eHealth, Solidarités International, Red Cross, Chigari Foundation, CDS and AFENET briefed the Commissioner for Health, Dr Nafisa Muhammad Maradun, on their areas of support and ongoing interventions.

Dr Maradun commended the partners for their continued contributions to the state’s immunisation system but expressed concern over the rising incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases despite the joint efforts. She stressed the need for improved performance at all levels of the Primary Health Care (PHC) system.

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The commissioner said proper identification of team leads, coordinators and focal persons for each agency, as well as clarity on the specific geographical areas covered by partners, was crucial. She also underscored the importance of identifying operational challenges such as funding gaps and human resource shortages to enable targeted support and strengthen accountability.

Executive Secretary of the State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Husaini Yakubu Anka, said the essence of the engagement was to reinforce partnership, improve collaboration and enhance coordination among stakeholders. He warned that the Board would no longer tolerate weak collaboration or uncoordinated interventions that undermine efficiency.

“All partners are expected to work in harmony with the Board’s strategic direction to ensure effective service delivery at the grassroots,” he said.

Dr Anka reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to building a unified platform where all stakeholders contribute to improved health outcomes for residents of the state.

The ministry said it expects the engagement to enhance coordination, reduce duplication of efforts and ensure a more efficient immunisation response across Zamfara.