Kano launches modified integrated medical outreach program

Kano state government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing adequate and qualitative health care services and ensures the implementation of program aimed at improving the lives of the people in the state.

The Executive Secretary Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board Dr. Tijjani Hussani disclosed this at the launching of the first round of the Modified Integrated Medical Outreach program (M-IMOP) at Ungogo Local Government area.

Dr Tijjani pointed out that, despite improvement in Nigeria’s Immunization Coverage to 50%, more than 3 million children are yet to be fully immunized with evidence showing reasons for children Unvaccinated cutting across demand and supply issues.

A statement issued by the board Public Relations Officer, Maikudi Muhammad Marafa on Wednesday noted that the gaps in immunization coverage are a microcosm of the overall sub-optimal primary health care outputs with increasing under 5 mortality rates and suboptimal delivery of primary health services with gaps in human resources for health contributing to challenges with access with the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the gaps in primary health care have further worsened with declining output observed in both Penta 3 and maternal and child health indices.

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‘’He said, the modified Integrated medical outreach program (M-IMOP) is one of the strategies that the present administration of Governor Ganduje accepted to enhance primary health care activities and bridge the immunization equity gaps in hard to reach areas and underserved communities.’’

‘’Turning to the objective of  Kano State on the Modified Integrated  Medical Outreach Programme (M-IMOP) Dr Hussaini explained that, the programme will increase uptake of Routine Immunization (RI) vaccines in low performing Local Government areas, achieving coverage of 80% of the third dose of pentavalent vaccine by the quarter of 2020.’’

He noted that it would also increase and sustain demand for routine immunization and primary Health care services by systematically building population trust and confidence as well as increasing of ANC, health facility delivery, nutrition and other essential primary health care services.

According to Dr Tijjani, the program (M-IMOP) is implemented under standard COVID-19  guidelines and strict adherence to NCDC guidelines on COVID-19 IPC by health workers and client as well as protection and accessing services.

Furthermore, it was based on this 14 local government areas have been selected and approved for Implemented medical outreach program (I-MOP) implementation in the state based on the key inclusion criteria and three-pronged approach will be deployed to rapidly ramp up immunization and primary health care services support to the vulnerable population in line with COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures that include, fixed Post(PHC), Temp Fixed Post and mobile post.

Dr Tijjani further lauded the effort of the Emirate  Council, the Traditional Rulers and Ulamas who are in the forefront in mobilizing their subjects and followers in order to ensure that they have enjoyed maximum benefits of laudable programs and other health programs.