From Mu’awiya Bala Idris, Katsina
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has renovated and equipped three primary healthcare centres in Katsina State to strengthen the delivery of health services in rural areas.
The health centres are located in Bakiyawa, Batagarawa Local Government Area; Sabon Gari, Daura Local Government Area; and Dandutse, Funtua Local Government Area.
Speaking during the handover of the Batagarawa health facility to the state government, the Health Manager, UNICEF Kano Field Office, Dr Serekeberehan Seyoum, said the facilities were renovated under the Global Fund implementation support programme.
Seyoum noted that the renovated facilities would contribute to improved access to essential healthcare services and better working conditions for health workers.
He added that the intervention would also improve health outcomes for women, children and other vulnerable populations.
He called on the State Primary Healthcare Management Agency to ensure the proper utilisation and maintenance of the renovated facilities.
“We urge the state government to ensure adequate staffing, the provision of essential supplies, routine maintenance and the prompt commencement of quality service delivery,” he said.
Seyoum commended the Global Fund for its commitment and support, assuring that UNICEF remained committed to partnering with the Katsina State Government to strengthen the healthcare system and improve the well-being of the people.
In her speech, the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Primary Healthcare Agency, Dr Shemau Kabir Abba, commended UNICEF for complementing the efforts of the state government in delivering efficient healthcare services to the people.
Dr Kabir said the government would ensure the deployment of staff to the renovated health facilities, as well as provide all the necessary requirements for effective service delivery.
She called on the management of the health facilities to protect the facilities and equipment provided, warning that the government would take action against any staff found diverting the equipment.
Earlier, the Vice Chairman of Batagarawa Local Government Area, Abdulrahman Ahmed Ajiwa, described the UNICEF intervention as a step towards bringing healthcare services closer to the community.
Ajiwa called on residents of the area to protect projects provided by the government and development partners.
During the event, officials of the UNICEF Kano Field Office formally handed over the renovated and equipped health facilities to the Katsina State Government.