By Bayo Samaila, Birnin Kebbi
Canada has provided15 million Canadian dollars to Kebbi, Bauchi and Kaduna States to strengthen Gender-Responsive Sexual Reproductive Health Rights and Nutrition Services in their respective states.
The UNICEF Chief Field Office, Sokoto, Mr. Michael Juma, told participants at a training workshop in Birnin Kebbi, this Tuesday, that the objective was to enable target beneficiaries, Women, Adolescent girls and children have access to quality health care and nutrition services.
He said the focus of the program is impactful health delivery system and there is need for functional coordination structure to achieve the desired success. "We want Universal Health Coverage all pervading where no single child is left behind', Juma said.
He said the UNICEF is providing the technical support while the State Government will implement the programme through Primary Health Centres(PHCs).
He commended Governor Nasir Idris for improving the quality of health care in Kebbi and recruiting 500 health workers to boost the health sector of the state.
A facilitator and Canadian Health Manager, Mr. Martin Dohlsten, explained that the intervention Programme funded by Canada would function for five years.
" Kebbi, Kaduna and Bauchi are the three states selected in Nigeria as recipients of the funds for implementation of the health scheme",
"The financing is 15 million Canadian dollars equivalent to 10.7 US dollars for maternal health and the new born for the three states", Martin added.
The State's Commissioner for Health, Yunusa Isma'il, and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Shehu Nuhu KoKo, in separate remarks, affirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Nasir Idris to make healthcare accessible and affordable to all communities in the state. The Commissioner thanked Canadian Government for its monetary intervention in improving the health status of Kebbi people.
"Governor Idris has placed premium on the improvement of the health sector, in addition to the sizeable budgetary allocation to health services, he has also ensured unfettered access to healthcare for women, children and the vulnerables", he said.
He added that last year, the government renovated 14 major health facilities in the state, recruited 500 health workers who received training and retraining to update their knowledge.
He said the administration has revitalised several Primary Health Centres, and before December this year, 191 more PHCs will undergo revitalisation.
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