June 28, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has reiterated readiness to revitalise the healthcare system in the North East to achieve universal health coverage for the country.
Speaking at North-East States Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP) Engagement in Maiduguri on Friday, the representative of the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Angus Ikpe, explained that the ministry has designed a strategic blueprint for 2023-2026 to rapidly improve health outcomes for Nigerians.
He noted that the goal is to reduce infant mortality, maternal mortality, and other health-related issues.
The “One Plan” priorities are aligned with the National Health Development Plan (NHSDP) II and the Strategic Blueprint.
He said the “One Plan” initiative has identified 13 health sector priorities that reflect the most urgent needs of the health system. These priorities include reproductive health, newborn and child health, immunisation, and HIV/AIDS, among others.
The “One Plan” initiative aims to improve health outcomes in Nigeria by addressing the identified priorities. The initiative involves stakeholders from various sectors including health, education, and finance, working together to achieve the set goals. The ultimate goal is to ensure that Nigerians have access to quality healthcare services and to reduce the country’s high mortality rates.
Also, the UNICEF Health Manager, Clement Adams, said the partnership is aimed at implementing the government’s plan to improve healthcare services for the benefit of Nigerians.
He revealed that UNICEF is working in collaboration with the Federal Government to ensure effective service delivery in the health sector in the North-East.
“To achieve this goal, UNICEF is sponsoring a program to support the implementation of the government’s plan. The sector-wide approach adopted by UNICEF is designed to improve service delivery in the health sector.
“One of the major challenges facing the sector is infant and maternal mortality, which is why UNICEF is working closely with the Governor’s Forum and the Federal Government to provide funding and coordination.
“The collaboration between UNICEF and the government is crucial in addressing the healthcare needs of Nigerians, particularly in areas where access to quality healthcare is limited.”
In his speech, a senior health advisor at the Governor’s Forum Secretariat, Dr Ahmad Abdulwahab, reaffirmed the forum’s dedication to the initiative, underscoring their unwavering commitment.
Represented by Mahmoud Munir, “We will continue to support the health sector in every way possible, with the ultimate goal of enhancing health activities across Nigeria”, he concluded.
About the Author
I am Ladi Dapson, a general writer with thewill. I cover Borno and Yobe states respectively.
I based Maiduguri, Borno State Capital.
I can be reached via [email protected].
Very high and kind regards!
