By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has commended the Yobe State Government for its proactive and effective measures taken in preventing cholera outbreak, describing the state’s preparedness and public health interventions as exemplary.
A statement signed by Ibrahim Baba Saleh who is the Media Coordinator/Liaison Oafficer of the SSG said, the commendation was made by the UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Maiduguri, Mr. Francis Butucci during an advocacy visit to the Acting Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Mohammed Goje, at the Governor’s Office, Damaturu.
Mr. Butucci observed that despite the ongoing rainy season — a period often associated with increased cholera outbreaks — Yobe State has not recorded any confirmed case of the disease, attributing the achievement to the government’s timely preventive interventions and sustained public health measures.
“This achievement may not be unconnected with the government’s timely preventive measures, coordinated surveillance, and sustained public health awareness campaigns,” he said.
The UNICEF Chief also expressed appreciation to the state government for its swift implementation of UNICEF’s technical recommendation in many aspects. “Over time, this has yielded a positive result.”
While acknowledging the progress recorded, Mr. Butucci encouraged the government to sustain its efforts in expanding birth registration services at Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and strengthening support for schools recently affected by windstorms across the state.
Responding, the Acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Mohammed Goje expressed appreciation to UNICEF for its sustained partnership coupled with invaluable technical support to the Yobe State Government in the areas of healthcare, education, nutrition, child protection, and social development.
He reassured the commitment of Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration to deepening collaboration with UNICEF and other development partners in implementing people-centred policies and programmes that improve the quality of life of citizens.
Dr. Goje particularly commended UNICEF for the provision of a state-of-the-art oxygen gas plant to the Yobe State healthcare system, describing the intervention as a major intervention towards strengthening critical healthcare objective of saving lives.
He noted that the facility has significantly complemented the government’s ongoing investments in the health sector and enhanced the capacity of health institutions to save lives across the state.
