November 10, 2024
Vunoklang, Hayin Gada, Off Mubi Road, jimeta - Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria
Health

Taraba state stakeholders in health sector take steps to sustain UNICEF/GAVI health project.

By

Hannah Akanta

 

In an effort to sustain the gains of the UNICEF/GAVI health support project in Taraba state, key stakeholders in the health sector have resolved to push for the release of health funds based on commitment and budgetary allocations.

 

 

The resolution was reached at a one-day retreat with state and local government policymakers on Primary Health Care performance and the sustainability of the Primary Healthcare Memorandum of Understanding implementation between Taraba state government, UNICEF and GAVI held in Yola, the Adamawa State capital.

 

 

During the engagement, stakeholders present acknowledged that since the implementation of the MoU in 2021 to date, the state has recorded hundred per cent increase in the number of life births supported by skilled health workers, improved access to malaria treatments among children under age five and has seen a steady rise in the number of immunised children among other benefits.

 

 

Applauding the efforts of UNICEF and GAVI in the past thirty-one months, the stakeholders maintained that they would move for the provision of general funding while bracing up to other responsibilities within their confines all in a bid to consolidate on the successes the MoU has brought to the state.

 

 

Taraba state ALGON Chairman, Dr. Aminu Jauro Hassan who was represented by his vice said as chairmen of the sixteen local government areas in the state, they would see to it that they frequently conduct monitoring visits to healthcare facilities within their localities and demand for program accountability from the Directors of the facilities.

 

 

They also agreed to support outreaches, mobile sessions, and logistics for effective vaccine delivery.

 

 

In his presentation, the Executive Secretary, Taraba State Primary Health care Development Agency, Dr. Tukura Nyigwa, said although the state had received recognition among other benefiting states for its giant strides in executing the project, more needs to be done particularly as it relates to funding, the absorption of the three hundred staff employed by Gavi and the construction of an office complex.

 

 

He urged the government to bridge every existing financial gap and equally ensure a smooth ownership process of the programme as the MoU completely winds down in December 2024.

 

 

Earlier, in a remark, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Nigeria – Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Tushar Rane appreciated Taraba state government for making notable contributions that have so far produced positive outcomes.

 

 

While commending the excellent leadership style of Taraba state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi Alkali who doubles as the Chairman State Taskforce Team, he appealed to the government to honour her co-funding obligations and as well attend to any other responsibility attached to the agreement.

 

 

Dr. Rane assured the state government of UNICEF’s continuous support and collaboration with Governor Kefas Agbu’s administration.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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