UNICEF urges Taraba govt to sustain Gavi’s immunisation gains

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on the Taraba State Government to maintain the progress achieved under the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi) initiative.

Speaking at a handover and way-forward event in Jalingo, the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Bauchi, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, commended the state for its efforts in improving immunisation coverage, strengthening healthcare systems, and reducing child mortality through Gavi-supported programs.

However, she emphasised the need for sustained commitment to funding, policy implementation, and community engagement to preserve these gains.

Dr Rafique noted that while Taraba had made significant strides, sustaining immunisation efforts and expanding access to vaccines remain crucial in preventing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.

She urged the government to ensure the timely release of primary healthcare funds and to absorb trained health workers engaged under Gavi into the state’s civil service, stressing that such steps would further strengthen the state’s primary healthcare system.

Supporting UNICEF’s stance, the World Health Organization (WHO) State Coordinator, Dr. Nuhu Ningi, underscored the importance of government ownership and local investment in immunisation programs. He urged state authorities to maintain the structures established under Gavi even after external funding ends.

Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Nuhu Tukur, assured stakeholders that the agency, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health, would work tirelessly to sustain the progress made under Gavi.

Health experts, civil society groups, and other stakeholders present at the event echoed these sentiments, calling for stronger partnerships between the government, donors, and local communities to ensure the long-term success of immunisation efforts.

In response, the Taraba State Government, through the Head of Service, Dr Ahmed Kara, reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining Gavi’s achievements. He pledged continued investment in healthcare infrastructure, vaccine distribution, and public health campaigns to protect children and communities across the state.

It would be recalled that in 2022, UNICEF, Gavi, and the Taraba State Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen primary healthcare in the state. The agreement aimed to ensure that all children, including those in remote areas, receive full immunisation coverage.