At least 500,000 residents of Bauchi State will be vaccinated against the dreadful outbreak of yellow fever in the Alkaleri and Tafawa Balewa local government areas of the state.
Governor Bala Mohammed disclosed this at the flag-off of aerial mosquitoes and reactive vaccination in response to the outbreak of Yellow fever, held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi.
Mohammed said this is part of the proactive measures taken by his administration in safeguarding the lives of residents in the state against the deadly disease.
The Governor, who also kicked off the aerial spraying of Quella birds, pledged the determination of the present administration to remain focused to its responsibilities especially in terms of effective response to agriculture and health challenges in the state.
He explained that, the aircraft is expected to visit about 38 roasting sites across the state within one week, and identified invasion of Quela birds in farmlands. The governor said N200 million has been paid by the state government as counterpart funds to the Mellinda and Bill Gates and Dangote Foundations.
“Despite the state of emergency in the health sector, indices such as the rates of infant and maternal mortality are worrisome. I have therefore given marching order to the Honorable Commissioner for Health to convene a Health Summit to enable us know the gaps,” he stated. The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Alh.Sama’ila Burga, added that the agricultural policy launched by the governor would address the challenges facing farmers and agriculture.
