The Federal Government of Nigeria in partnership with European Union, UNICEF and WHO have signed 70 million Euros, European Development fund support to scale up maternal and child health outcome in Bauchi, Adamawa and Kebbi States and also to Strengthen Health System in Anambara and Sokoto states respectively.
At the Signing ceremony today in Abuja, the Hon. Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole , appreciated EU for keying into the present administration’s resolve to improve the Nigerian Health system.
The Minister said that the Federal Government recognized the fact that paying attention to Primary Healthcare system where millions of Nigerians access healthcare is the key strategy towards improving the health of Nigerians
Adewole said “ Mr. President recently flagged off the Revitalization process of PHCs and called on all International Partners as well as individuals to support the effort and today EU has responded and we want to thank you for making it happen. At the end of this exercise EU would have strengthened 774 PHCs in the 3 States. Thus our target of revitalizing 10, 000 PHCs is on course and we are quite confident that we shall get there”
Adewole explained that 50 million Euros would be used to scale up Maternal Newborn and Child Health in Adamawa, Bauchi and Kebbi while 20 Million Euros would be used to strengthen health system in Sokoto and Anambra and also to fight against polio in the country.
In his response on behalf of the benefiting States, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Alh Muhammed Abubakar specifically appreciated the Hon Minister of Health for doing thing differently by allowing States take lead in the implementation process of the proramme.
According to him, this laudable gesture would improve capacity at the state level and give a sense of ownership to both the administrators of the programme and the end users.
He expressed his delight to the Hon. Minister of Health for having the courage to do things differently.
Earlier in his remarks the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire said that the fund would focus on pregnant women, lactating mothers and children under 5years of age.
“The direct beneficiaries include 2.7 million children under-5 years and 850,000 pregnant women in Adamawa, Bauchi and Kebbi States”
Speaking during the event the EU Ambassador, Michel Arrion, said that European Union was working with Nigeria authorities to address developmental challenges in key priority areas under its 11th European Development Fund.
He said “This project would help to improve access to effective health and nutrition in the prioritized states and support the final push to eradicate polio in Nigeria”.
“The focus is especially on providing service to poor, marginalized rural women and children, saving the lives of mothers and children and improving their health and nutrition through a sustainable primary health care delivery system,” The EU Ambassador concluded .
