Katsina: The Katsina State Government has received three upgraded Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The facilities include the MCHC Bakiyawa in Batagarawa Local Government Area (LGA), Sabon Gari PHC in Daura LGA, and Dandutse PHC in Funtua LGA.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the handover ceremony took place in Bakiyawa Village, where the UNICEF Health Manager, Kano Field Office, Dr Serekeberehan Seyoum, highlighted the collaboration with the Global Fund in implementing the projects. Seyoum emphasized UNICEF’s role as the implementing partner for the renovation and upgrading of the facilities to improve access to quality primary health care services. He stated that the successful completion of these projects is expected to enhance health outcomes, particularly for women, children, and other vulnerable groups.
Seyoum noted that the facilities are now equipped to provide quality health services to their respective communities. The formal handover ceremony marked the transfer of responsibility for the management, utilization, and maintenance of the facilities to the Katsina State Primary Health Care Development Agency. He urged the state government and relevant authorities to ensure adequate staffing, provision of essential medical supplies, and routine maintenance of the facilities. Seyoum also called for the prompt commencement and sustenance of quality service delivery to maximize the benefits of the investment.
He commended the Katsina State Government, the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, local government authorities, community stakeholders, and the Global Fund for their support and collaboration. According to him, UNICEF remains committed to supporting the Katsina government in strengthening its health system and improving the well-being of residents.
During the ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Shaumau Abba, expressed gratitude to UNICEF and the Global Fund for their intervention. Abba assured that the agency, in collaboration with the respective local government councils, would provide necessary equipment and personnel to ensure effective service delivery at the facilities. She pledged that the agency would ensure that residents of the benefiting communities fully utilize and benefit from the upgraded health centres.
Additionally, the Chairman of Batagarawa Local Government Council, Alhaji Yahaya Lawal-Kawo, represented by his Vice-Chairman, Abdulrahman Ahmad, pledged the council’s commitment to the protection and maintenance of the facility. He assured that the council would work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the community fully benefits from the upgraded health centre.