17 January 2007 - At 96, Alhaji Mohammed Indene Abdullahi, continues to work hard as District Head of 60 communities and Chairman of the Village Health Committee (VHC) in Mada Central, Akwanga Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. He goes house to house to promote greater access to routine immunization (RI) services by his people.

Since 1988 when the VHC started in the area, Abdullahi, traditional ruler since 1976 when he retired from public service as a health worker, has continued to ensure that no child in his domain is victim to any of the vaccine preventable killer diseases. His inspiration remains that his efforts are recognized and that his is the first port of call in any activity by government or other stakeholders.

Another LGA that has been attracting attention is Wamba – one of the best performing in RI access in the state. The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) is planning a model health centre there, following an assessment, with the additional promise to equip another health facility. In April 2006, the LGA Chairman, Hon Aliyu Dogara Mohammed was the dinner guest of the Federal Minister of Health in Abuja. A month earlier, a delegation of partner agencies, including WHO, UNICEF, EU Prime, Pfizer and representatives of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) visited. It was led by the Chief Executive of NPI, Dr (Mrs) Edugie Abebe.

The effect of such recognition is obvious: the Emir of Wamba, Alhaji Musa Nagogo and the council chairman now want to ensure better funding, and the eventual ownership of immunization activities.

A communal spirit driven by the VHCs, appears to be the secret of the progress made in Wamba which recorded a DPT3 coverage of 94% in September 2006. At Gbata community, the Village Head, Zakari Yahaya, recounts with satisfaction the achievements of the VHC which was founded in 1995 on the advice of the chairman of the District Health Committee, Alhaji Yusuf Dogara. The area was then still part of the old Plateau State. Three of the founding members are still part of the committee whose only permanent member is Yahaya. It thrives on volunteerism, and raises funds through members taxing themselves to execute projects.

Their achievements include not just the health centre commissioned by Governor Abdullahi Adamu in February 2000, but their vigorous community sensitization to promote polio eradication and RI. They act promptly whenever the person in-charge of the health centre brings problems to their attention, even during the rains, when most of the people go to their farms.

The joy of the members of this committee is in being part of the process of keeping their children and community alive and healthy through immunization. They are sure the future will prove them right.

- By Nosa Owens-Ibie