By Lizzy Carr, Bauchi
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has marked its 75 years of existence with a free medical outreach to the people of Bauchi State.
The outreach took place at the Fada Primary Health Care Centre located at the Emir’s Palace Bauchi.
Head of Diseases Surveillance WHO Bauchi Office Dr. Musa Kim said the medical outreach is to ensure that everyone has access to medical care.
Services provided include eye screening, malaria diagnosis and treatment, hypertension, diabetes, and other maternal and child health issues.
“For 75 years the WHO has been working with members States including Nigeria in improving public health,”
Kim noted that WHOs commitment to health for all is hinged on the 1948 founding constitution that à humans are equal and enshrined in ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being at all ages.
The Head of Diseases Surveillance added that WHO Nigeria achieving health for all remains a pathway SDG 3, reinforced by 16 other SFGs to be attained by 2030.
“WHO has recorded successes in Nigeria that include, Nigeria was certified Guinea Worm free in 2013, Nigeria and the WHO Afro region were certified wild polio free in 2020 and In May 1980 the global commission for the certification of smallpox eradication”.
Kim said the organization is supporting Bauchi in the areas of disease surveillance and outbreak response, routine immunization, Tuberculosis control, maternal Child and reproductive health, and health system strengthening amongst others.
Bauchi State Commissioner of Health Dr. Sabiu Gwalabe acknowledged the contribution of WHO in strengthening the health system.
“This medical outreach will help meet the health needs of our people especially the poor and vulnerable”.
Emir of Bauchi Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu said the traditional institution is ever ready to support interventions to improve the health of the people.