Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has commissioned and distributed 48 operational motorcycles and trucks to enable effective community tuberculosis and HIV case-finding programmes across the state.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Kaduna on Wednesday, the governor said the unveiling of three strategic health policy documents and a public health law will positively impact the health and lives of all citizens of Kaduna State.
Gov. Sani explained that the documents include the Kaduna State Public Health Law, One Health Strategic Plan, Human Resource for Health Policy, and the Integrated Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent, Elderly Health, Plus Nutrition Strategy.
“These documents, when implemented, will lead to a reduction of morbidity and mortality due to health-related conditions in the state, he stressed.
“It is on record that Kaduna State is the first state in the country to finalise and disseminate a one-health strategic plan and road map to achieving harmonisation of disease control through the utilisation of one health approach.
He added that the existing expansive infectious disease control centre site will serve as a base for our one health operations. We will be at the forefront of the battle to tackle emerging and re-emerging diseases affecting communities.
“The Human Resource for Health Policy will address issues and challenges relating to the attainment of adequate numbers, availability, and an appropriate skilled mix of health workers at all levels of health care, starting from primary healthcare centres to secondary facilities and health training institutions.
“We aim to address health worker attrition, increase recruitment, and improve capacity building and retention of skilled health personnel.
“Our Public Health Law documents the rights and obligations in relation to our environment and health as a community. It will provide a legal recourse for citizens to address defaulters or a failure to uphold public health laws by health workers and the government. As the safety and health of all citizens is a collective responsibility.
“We are also using this very important occasion to commission and distribute 46 motorcycles and 2 Hillux trucks to enable Local Government Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Buruli Ulcer Supervisors and the State Tuberculosis and HIV Program to effectively conduct active community TB and HIV case finding in Kaduna State.
“We are also commencing today the distribution of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) purchased by the State Government through a partnership with the World Bank, ANRIN Project. RUTF is available free at our health facilities and nutritional corners for management of cases of malnutrition in children.
“At this juncture, I must appreciate the Global Fund, UNICEF and the Federal Ministry of Health for their support in ensuring that Kaduna State TB and HIV programmes are strengthened. I must also appreciate the LAFIYA Project for its support in ensuring that Kaduna State has all the necessary policy documents it needs to respond to the ever-evolving health environment.
“We cannot turn around the economy of our state without enhancing the health of our people. Our vision is to build healthy communities where the poor and vulnerable have access to quality healthcare. We shall not waver in our commitment. We count on your support to leave a lasting legacy in the healthcare sector,” he said.
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