A non-governmental organisation, PLAN International, has handed over seven out of 15 renovated primary healthcare centres (PHCs) in Sokoto State as part of a health intervention project funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC).
The Country Representative of PLAN International in Nigeria, Mr. Usie Charles, represented by Dr. Helen Isiong, officially handed over the renovated facilities to the Sokoto State government on Tuesday. He highlighted that this initiative demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery in the state.
Charles assured continued partnership with the Sokoto State government, emphasising that PLAN International would keep implementing various programmes focused on healthcare, education, and sanitation. He reiterated the organisation’s commitment to breaking down barriers that hinder communities, especially young girls and women, from accessing essential healthcare services, allowing them to achieve their potential.
“PLAN International is a registered organisation in Nigeria, driving changes in practice and policy at local, national, and global levels using its reach, experience, and knowledge. We are ready to support the government in delivering its objectives to the citizens,” Charles stated.
In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Sokoto State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SSPHCDA), Dr. Larai Aliyu, expressed gratitude for the organisation’s efforts, describing the initiative as a landmark achievement in healthcare service delivery in the state.
Tambuwal said PLAN International has supported the state in various areas, including capacity building for health workers, provision of maternal and child health equipment, supply of drugs and consumables to health facilities, and support for quality reproductive health services and rights for adolescents.
According to her, PLAN International’s efforts have also ensured demand creation through the training and retraining of community health workers and volunteers.
“It may interest you to note that the Sokoto State Government under the able leadership of Gov. Aliyu is working to improve the health indices of the citizenry, particularly in maternal and child health. This is through the establishment of at least one functional and standard primary healthcare centre in each of the 244 wards in the state.
“So far, 15 PHCs have been taken over for renovation by PLAN International, and this will continue until all the PHCs in the state are upgraded to meet the best standards for accessible, affordable, and efficient healthcare service delivery at the grassroots,” she said.
She added that the state government has employed and deployed additional skilled healthcare workers to staff all the health facilities across the state.
Earlier, Gov. Aliyu reassured that the renovated facilities would be judiciously used for the benefit of the people of Sokoto State. He also urged healthcare workers to adhere to best practices.
Aliyu, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Bello Sifawa, emphasised that the current administration prioritises investments in the health sector as crucial steps towards achieving universal health coverage (UHC) and health-related sustainable development goals (SDGs).
“Let me appreciate the roles played by LGA Chairmen and traditional and religious leaders for their contributions to the successes recorded in the state as reported in recent surveys.
“I wish to call on everyone to sustain and redouble our efforts to increase demand for and utilisation of PHC services in their respective domains.
“I also want to take this opportunity to thank our development partners for their support in improving the health and well-being of the people of Sokoto State,” he said.
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