Global Fund, UNICEF Partner To Reduce NIGERIA’S Maternal, Child Mortality Rate

The Chief of United Nation’s Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, has given reasons Global Fund is investing hugely in the country’s health sector.

She said there is the urgent need to protect and improve the health of mother and child in Nigeria.
Rafique spoke at a stakeholders’ meeting for the revitalisation and handing over of the project sites to UNICEF, held at the Conference Room of the Taraba State Primary Healthcare Development Agency in Jalingo.

Global Fund is investing a huge sum for the total overhauling of 11 selected Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCCs) in Taraba State, which will be implemented and supervised by UNICEF.

Rafique, said the intervention was basically to support the country’s health system to address its infrastructure need, and to equip PHCCs with facilities that will enhance quality service delivery for women and children.

She added that, global Fund and UNICEF are investing in the state due to the increasing rate of maternal and child mortality in Nigeria.

She explained that, the decision to upgrade and renovate the selected PHCCs was aimed at ensuring that mothers, children and other community members within the catchment areas do not suffer from preventable health challenges.

The Bauchi Field Officer of UNICEF, however commended the Taraba State Government for prioritising the wellbeing of women and children, as well as putting in place measures to protect them from public health diseases threatening their lives.

She also applauded the state for expanding access to healthcare services and for guaranteeing the safety and security of mothers and children across the state.

While recalling her recent visit to the state to monitor vaccination campaigns in Sardauna and Gembu local government areas, Dr. Rafique described the exercise as impressive, in spite of the difficult terrains in the state.

“I found vaccination teams working uphill and downhill, in churches, mosques and markets. That is one of the most pleasant scenes I have ever seen in Nigeria,” she said.

According to her, Taraba State is endowed with both natural and human resources capable of addressing emerging health challenges.

She noted that Nigeria remains one of the countries contributing to maternal and child mortality in Africa, a situation which she described as unfortunate.

“That is why we have support from the Global Fund to reduce maternal and child mortality. Taraba is one of the states that has shown strong determination to eradicate public health challenges threatening the lives of women and children.”

“The state is blessed with committed and dedicated people who are determined to serve humanity and save the lives of mothers and children.”

Dr. Rafique called on local government council chairmen, traditional rulers, community leaders, religious bodies, UNICEF’s change agents and other development partners to ensure that health facilities within their domains are adequately protected and maintained against vandalization.

She further explained that UNICEF’s interventions focus on renovating wards and clinic sites, improving service delivery points, providing solar power, ensuring access to clean water, sanitation and functional toilet facilities.

“This will go a long way in easing treatment and improving the lives of mothers and children who will be cared for in these facilities,” she added.

The Taraba State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bordiya Buma, commended the Global Fund and UNICEF for funding and implementing the projects, and reiterated the state government’s commitment to securing the environment until the projects are fully completed.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Nuhu Tukura, also commended the partners for their huge investment in the state’s health sector.

The revitalisation and renovation of 11 health facilities across six local government areas were awarded to Dari Investment and Circle Gate Company to ensure quality delivery.

The beneficiary local governments include Sardauna (three PHCCs), Bali (three), Karim Lamido (two), Gassol (one), Zing (one) and Ardo-Kola (one).