The Governor of Katsina State, Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustain the progress made by the state under the Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunization, GAVI initiative.
Governor Radda made this disclosure at the hand over ceremony of the GAVl PHC MoU which was held in Katsina.
He stated that the support from the initiative has aided the state in strengthening healthcare infrastructure and vaccine distribution, hence the determination to ensure its sustainability.
“While today, marked the official close out of the MOU, our commitments to primary health care strengthening does not end here, Katsina State government remains fully dedicated to sustain and build upon the gains achieved,” Governor Radda stated.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of UNICEF, Kano field Office, Mr. Rahama Rihood Farah who represented the Unicef Nigeria country’s director at the ceremony, highlighted some of the achievements recorded under the MoU in three years implementation period.
“To ensure a sustainable power supply, the state cold storage rooms were solarized. Additionally 361 motorcycles were procured and distributed to improve access to hard to reach communities, renovation to make seven primary health care fully operational are expected to be completed by the end of march, this year.”
He commended the state government for the absorption of 478 Gavi-trained health workers into the state’s civil service.
Mr Rahama urged the state government and the Agency to maintain the dedication and commitment which has led to the excellent results, to ensure that the most vulnerable and the poorest of the poor can access the health care they need.
“As we hands over the program to the Katsina State government today, UNICEF calls for continued investment of adequate resources by the Katsina State government to sustain the notable achievement recorded during the implementation of the MoU.”
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of State Primary Health Care Agency, Dr. Shamsuddeeni Yahayya disclosed that the MoU has changed the narrative in the healthcare space in the state, bringing about a paradigm shift in PHC services.
Dr. Shamsuddeeni commended the state government for the renovation and upgrading of 158 PHC facilities including the provisions of staff quarters, infrastructures, equipments, water supply, electricity and tricycle ambulances.
“We have trained over 1260 community health influencers, promoters, We have tried to strike a balance between demand and supply of services,” he said.
Highlights of the event included, the official handing over of the GAVI/UNICEF/PHC. MoU close out document and presentation of a donated vaccination refrigerated van to the Katsina State government.
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