Jos, 26 January 2018 - His Excellency, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State says the World Health Organization (WHO) occupies a central position in the development of the health system in Nigeria and improvement of the health status of the population.
The Governor, who made the statement when he received the WHO Country Representative at the Government House, said WHO’s timely provision of technical and logistic support to health programmes, assists in no small measure towards meeting government’s health agenda.
The Governor, represented by his deputy, His Excellency Professor Sonni Tyoden posited, “WHO is a household name and has impacted positively on the lives of the people, especially in Plateau state”.
In Plateau state, WHO is  contributing to health systems strengthening interventions through leveraging on existing polio eradication infrastructure to provide integrated health services to reduce neonatal, child and maternal mortality. The Organization has also strategically positioned its staff to strengthen preparedness and emergency response to epidemic prone diseases, through early warning systems and surveillance.  
Presentation of 22 motorcycles for active disease surveillance
The WR who was in Plateau to assess WHO’s work, monitor preparedness towards the forthcoming measles campaign and advocate for continued state support, presented 22 motorcycles to the Governor for onward delivery to Disease Notification and Surveillance Officers (DSNOs) across the state. 
“Our staff are on the frontline with counterparts in relevant state government agencies to respond to outbreaks. The donation of motorcycles with support from our donors to all DSNOs is to further enhance surveillance and build a highly sensitive and robust system to rapidly detect and respond to diseases of epidemic potential” Dr Alemu said.
Traditional institutions vital to primary healthcare delivery
In a separate meeting with His Royal Highness Muazu Babangida Muazu II, Emir of Kanam, the WR appreciated the paramount ruler for being instrumental to achieving high quality of immunization coverage especially in mobilization of caretakers and communities to vaccinate their children.
He encouraged the traditional leader to continue supporting primary healthcare activities and other health related issues, given wide acceptance across the state and with other traditional leaders in the state.
During his 2-day visit to Plateau, the WR met the Commissioner and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health. He also visited the State Primary Healthcare Development Board and interacted with WHO staff in Plateau with a view to ameliorate residual challenges faced in the field.

Technical contacts:

Dr Fiona Braka; Tel: +234 703 170 5252; Email:  brakaf [at] who.int