The Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Aminu Alkali, who also serves as the chairman of the Task Force on Primary Health Care, emphasized the government’s determination to maintain the progress achieved through the UNICEF/GAVI health support project in the state during a retreat in Yola, Adamawa State. This retreat involved state and local government policymakers and focused on the performance of Primary Health Care and the sustainability of the PHC Memorandum of Understanding implementation between the state government, UNICEF, and GAVI.
Alkali expressed gratitude for the support provided by UNICEF/GAVI in funding and technical assistance to the state’s Primary Health Care Development Agency and affirmed the government’s commitment to preserving the gains of the project as the MoU approaches its conclusion.
Highlighting the importance of healthcare delivery in the government’s agenda, he emphasized the significant investment being made in healthcare. Alkali reiterated the administration’s dedication to upholding the MoU inherited from the previous leadership.
In his remarks, Dr. Tukura Nyigwa, the Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency, identified the inadequate release of funds to the agency as a key factor hindering the effective functioning of primary health care centers in the state.
Nyigwa pointed out the challenges faced by PHCs in Taraba due to the delays in counterpart fund disbursement, leading to the inability to engage 450 health workers despite GAVI’s funding support. He urged the state government to absorb these workers for the sustainability of healthcare services.
Furthermore, Nyigwa appealed for the construction of a dedicated office space for the agency to enhance funding opportunities from partners.
The retreat brought together Local Government Council Chairmen and various stakeholders in the health sector to deliberate on these critical issues.