PLAN International Renovates 15 PHCs In Sokoto

An non-governmental organisation (NGO), PLAN International, has handed over seven out of 15 renovated Primary Healthcare Centers, PHCs, to the Sokoto State government under a health intervention project funded by Global Affairs Canada, GAC.

Country representative of PLAN International in Nigeria, Mr Usie Charles,  while presenting the renovated facilities to Governor Ahmad Aliyu, said the effort was part of the organisation’s determination toward  strengthening healthcare delivery in the state.

Charles who was represented by Dr Helen Isong, assured that PLAN International will continue to partner with Sokoto State government through the implementation of different programmes on healthcare, education, sanitation and others.

He added that the organisation would do everything necessary to remove barriers that prevent communities, particularly the young girls and women from accessing relevant healthcare that they need to thrive and be exactly what they want to be in future.

‘’PLAN International is a registered organization in Nigeria driving changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using its reach, experience and knowledge.

‘’We are ready to support government towards delivering its objectives to the citizens,’’ Charles said.

The Executive Secretary of Sokoto State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, SSPHCDA, Dr Larai Aliyu, said  Plan International has supported the state in capacity building of health workers, provision of maternal and child health equipment, provision of drugs and consumables to health facilities, support for quality reproductive health services and rights for adolescents.

According to her, “It may interest you to note that the Sokoto State Government under the able leadership of Governor Ahmed Aliyu is working to improve the health indices of the citizenry particularly maternal and child health.

‘’This is through the establishment of at least one functional and standard primary health care center in each of the 244 wards in the state.

“So far, 15 PHCs have been taken over for renovation by PLAN International and this will continue until all the PHCs in the state are upgraded to reach the best standard for accessible, affordable and efficient health care service delivery at the grassroots.”

She added that the state government have employed and deployed additional skilled healthcare workers to man all the health facilities across the state.

Eearlier, Governor Aliyu reassured that the renovated facilities would be judiciously used for the good people of Sokoto State and enjoined healthcare workers to adhere to best standard practices.

Aliyu, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Bello Sifawa, said the present administration prioritizes investments in the health sector as necessary steps towards achieving universal health coverage, UHC, and health-related sustainable development.