Jigawa State Government has pledged to ensure the continuity of healthcare interventions implemented over the past three years under a tripartite partnership with UNICEF, GAVI, and the state government.
The partnership, kick-started by a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2022, aimed to enhance the state’s healthcare delivery system and improve immunization coverage by providing essential logistics and human resources for health.
At the handing over of logistics for the project held at the Government House in Dutse, Governor Umar Namadi said the program has contributed particularly in providing special health insurance cover for over 143 thousand beneficiaries in the 27 local governments of the state.
Namadi, who was represented by his Deputy Engineer Aminu Usman said the objectives of the MoU were in line with the state government’s 12-Point Agenda which accords priority to the health sector through the transformation of the primary health care centers at the grassroots.
The Deputy Governor who received the UNICEF/GAVI team led by the Chief of Health, UNICEF Nigeria, Dr Shyam Sharan-Pathak said the state government will continue to initiate policies and programs to boost the healthcare system across the state.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Muhammed Abdullahi Kainuwa, during the 3 years GAVI/State funded support, the project recorded tremendous success during the period under review.
He pointed out that, some of the major achievements recorded include vaccination of 416,250 adolescent girls that have been protected against Human Papilloma Virus HPV.
According to him, there has been an improved storage capacity for vaccines, through procurement and installation of a walking cold room, freezers and solar direct drive refrigerators.
Dr. Kainuwa said, there was also logistics support for vaccine distribution with 3 vehicles as well as the recruitment of 330 personnel, who were absorbed into the government workforce.
He commended religious and traditional leaders in the state, for their support in creating awareness and mobilization throughout the 3 years partnership.
In his address, the state Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Kabiru Ibrahim commended Governor Namadi for his resilience.
Kabiru, noted that, the administration’s commitment to strictly adhere to the guidelines and policies of the federal ministry of health is commendable.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the state primary healthcare development agency, Dr. Shehu Sambo, said, the MoU has attracted new health related legislations in the state.
He added that, it has instilled coordination of all stakeholders, improved quality interventions human resources management and also attracted more funding for primary health services.
Radio Nigeria reports that, the Primary Health Care MoU Health Systems Strengthening initiative is a 3 year (2022–March 2025) partnership programme between GAVI and 8 states in Nigeria amongst which is Jigawa state.
It also aimed to strengthen routine immunization and Primary Health Care systems, towards the reduction of morbidity and mortality, by addressing vaccine preventable deaths and other essential services.
COV/USMAN MZ
