During a one-day retreat in Yola, Adamawa State, Taraba’s Deputy Governor and chairman of the Task Force on Primary Health Care, Aminu Alkali, emphasized the government’s determination to maintain the progress facilitated by the UNICEF/GAVI health support project in the state.
Alkali expressed gratitude for the intervention of UNICEF/GAVI in providing funding and technical assistance to the state’s Primary Health Care Development Agency. He reiterated the commitment to upholding the gains of the project as the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) approaches its conclusion.
“Healthcare delivery is a top priority for our administration’s agenda, with significant investments being made in this sector. We are resolute in upholding the implementation of the MoU we inherited,” he stated.
Dr. Tukura Nyigwa, the Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency, attributed the inadequate functioning of primary health care centers in the state to the insufficient release of funds to the agency.
Nyigwa highlighted the challenges faced by PHCs in Taraba, citing the non-payment of counterpart funds. Despite GAVI’s financial support, the Taraba government has failed to fulfill its obligations, including the engagement of 450 health workers.
“As the MoU concludes, it is imperative for the Taraba State government to integrate the 300 workers engaged by GAVI into its system for sustainability,” Nyigwa emphasized.
He also appealed to the Governor to expedite the construction of dedicated office facilities for the agency to attract more funding from partners.
The retreat, attended by Local Government Council Chairmen and stakeholders in the health sector, aimed to address these critical issues.