Jigawa Govt. builds midwives’ quarters with PHC challenge prize

On Jan 11, 2025

The Jigawa State Government has used funds won from the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) to construct midwives’ quarters in seven Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

This was disclosed by Dr Shehu Sambo, Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, during an interview with the Newsmen in Dutse on Friday.

Sambo explained that Jigawa won 500,000 dollars for coming first in the North-West zone and 400,000 dollars for securing second place in the 2024 second-quarter assessment of effective Primary Healthcare (PHC) service delivery.

He said the funds were part of the PHC Challenge initiative introduced by the NGF to stimulate growth in primary healthcare and help Nigeria achieve Universal Healthcare Coverage for all citizens.

“The PHC Challenge initiative, introduced by the NGF, uses specific indicators to assess the performance of states.

“There were indicators earmarked for verification by independent verification agents from across the 36 states and Abuja.

“We also have six geographical zones, and Jigawa was able to secure second runner-up in the North-West zone due to the scores we attained.”

He elaborated that these indicators, which included governance, health facility visits by the governor, and the availability of necessary equipment and commodities in the LGAs, were linked to monetary incentives.

He explained that the scores from each geographical zone were compared, and Jigawa emerged as the second runner-up in the North-West zone.

Sambo said with the funds won in 2024, they were able to build comfortable quarters for midwives in seven LGAs.

“On Thursday, we handed over the keys to these houses, which will allow midwives to provide 24-hour services in their respective facilities,” Sambo said.

He emphasised that the agency would continue to focus on improving access to universal healthcare in the state.

“Our primary goal is to enhance the quality of services and provide more access for our population, particularly for women and children in the hardest-to-reach areas of the state,” he assured.

NAN/Wumi