•Promises more impactful health initiatives
By Joy Salami
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has announced that his administration will soon unveil a comprehensive range of impactful health initiatives aimed at significantly enhancing the wellbeing of citizens across the state.
This move is part of the government’s broader commitment to prioritizing healthcare and improving overall quality of life for the people of Kogi State.
The Governor made the announcement in Lokoja, the state capital, during the official flag-off ceremony for the distribution of vehicles and motorcycles to support the HIV/AIDS and TB Elimination Programme in Kogi State.
The distribution included 2 Hilux vans and 42 motorcycles, which will enhance the programme’s reach and effectiveness in combating these diseases across the state.
Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Salami Ozigi, the governor revealed that his administration was implementing deliberate health policies and programmes aimed at significantly improving the state’s health indices. This commitment underscores the government’s dedication to enhancing the overall wellbeing of Kogi State citizens.
Governor Ododo expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Global Fund, implementing partners, and the Federal Government for their invaluable support and collaboration in the fight against HIV/AIDS and TB in Kogi State. He acknowledged their contributions as crucial to the success of the state’s health initiatives.
Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams, emphasized the urgent need for enhanced surveillance in his address at the event, citing the ongoing devastating impact of HIV/AIDS and TB on communities across the state.
He stressed that robust monitoring and tracking are crucial to effectively combat and contain the spread of these diseases.
He highlighted poor documentation as a significant obstacle to the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS and TB campaigns in the state. He further emphasized the ne”d for accurate and reliable data collection and record-keeping to inform strategy and measure progress in the fight against these diseases.
Dr. Komolafe Rotimi, representing the Kogi State Director of Public Health, noted that effective monitoring had led to a significant milestone in the state’s fight against TB, with over 8,000 cases successfully treated in the past year.
This achievement highlights the impact of robust surveillance and intervention efforts.