The Chief of the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, has called on the Taraba State Government to sustain progress made under the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (Gavi) partnership. 

She made the call during the handover event of the Memorandum of Understanding between Gavi and Taraba State on the immunisation program in Jalingo on Wednesday. 

The field officer commended the Taraba state government for improving immunisation coverage and reducing child mortality in the state.

She also stressed the need for continued funding, policy implementation, and community engagement so that progress achieved under the partnership could be sustained. 

Dr. Rafique also called for the timely release of primary health funds and the absorption of Gavi-trained health workers into the state’s civil service.

In his response, the head of service, Dr. Ahmed Kara, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and vaccine distribution.

The Gavi partnership with Taraba State was signed in 2022 under the Memorandum of Understanding with UNICEF and the Taraba State government and aimed at ensuring children, including those in remote areas, receive essential vaccinations.