September 8, (THEWILL) – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with Global Fund, says it is upgrading central medical warehouses in Imo State to international standards, so as to meet the health needs of the people.
UNICEF’s Acting Chief of Enugu Field Office, Olusoji Akinleye, highlighted this at the official handover of the facilities to UNICEF by the Imo State Government in Owerri, on Friday.
Akinleye, represented by UNICEF Contract Specialist, Benjamin Makolo, stressed that the project, expected to be completed by December 2023, is aimed at strengthening the State’s logistics management system as part of its health system.
According to him, this is a multi-partner venture, with the Global Fund taking the lead in providing the resources for the project.
“It is aimed at strengthening the country’s supply chain management system and 22 States were selected out of 36; Imo is one of them.
“The principal recipient for the grant is the National TB and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP), with UNICEF taking care of the technical coordination and construction of the warehouses.
“Other collaborating government partners include the National Product Supply Chain Management Program (NPSCMP), National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), and Department of Health Planning, Research and Statistics (DHPRS),” he said.
Speaking, UNICEF’s Head of Vaccine Supply Logistics (VSL) in the State, Benjamin Nwabuisi, said a bidding process had taken place and vendors selected, with paperwork already completed for the commencement of the project.
“The bidding process has been concluded and vendors selected, MoUs have been signed with the States and we’re here today for the sites to be handed over by the State Government to the vendors for construction work to commence,” he said.
Also speaking, the Director of Projects, MP Infrastructure, the contractors for the project, Pius Ike, said it will be a fast-track project, involving various levels of upgrade of existing warehouses.
Speaking, the Imo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Success Prosper-Ohayagha, thanked UNICEF and its partners for thinking toward the State.
He restated the commitment of the Gov. Hope Uzodinma-led administration to effective healthcare reforms and development, adding that the project would receive full support from the State’s Ministry of Health.
“This is our central medical store for Imo where we have our commodities. All is now set for the upgrade.
“With this upgrade to international standard, the warehouses will become more efficient and the provision of healthcare for Imo people and the rest of Nigeria will be enhanced,” the Commissioner said.
