By Umar Faruk Birnin Kebbi
The Canadian Government has provided a grant of 15 million Canadian dollars, equivalent to $10.7 million US dollars, to support in Strengthening Gender Responsive Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights initiatives in Kebbi State. This funding is aimed at improving the health status of women and children in the state.
According to Mr. Martin, "The financing is 15 million Canadian dollars equivalent to 10.7 US dollars for maternal health and the newborn for the three states." The Kebbi State Commissioner for Health, Yunusa Musa Isma'il, and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Shehu Nuhu KoKo, flagged off the Project inception meeting on Tuesday at Azbir Hotel in Birnin Kebbi.
The Commissioner for Health, Yunusa Isma'il, expressed gratitude to the Canadian Government for its intervention in improving the health sector in Kebbi State. "Governor Nasir Idris has placed premium on the improvement of the health sector, in addition to the sizeable budgetary allocation to health services, he has also ensured unfettered access to healthcare for women, children and the vulnerables," Isma'il stated.
He further highlighted the governor's achievements in the health sector, saying, "Last year, he renovated 14 major health facilities in the state, recruited 500 health professionals who received training and retraining to update their knowledge." The Permanent Secretary, Dr. KoKo, also commended the Canadian Government for its support and affirmed the state's commitment to prioritizing primary healthcare and human resource development.
"The incumbent administration of Comrade Nasir Idris has revitalized several Primary Health Centres, and before December this year, 191 more PHCs will also undergo revitalisation," KoKo announced. This funding intervention is expected to significantly improve the health outcomes of women and children in Kebbi State, and is a testament to the strong partnership between the Kebbi State Government and the Canadian Government.
However, the Project launch was a transformative health initiative aimed at strengthening primary healthcare delivery and addressing critical sexual and reproductive health and nutrition challenges among women, adolescents, and children. The initiative, funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by UNICEF, will benefit over 7 million people across three states, including Kebbi.
The five years programme will focus on expanding SRHR and nutrition services at the primary healthcare level, training peer groups and community mentors, and improving access to essential medicines and infrastructure. It will also drive behavioral change through targeted communication and community engagement strategies. Stakeholders which includes Health workers, Civil Society organizations and media have highlighted the need for an integrated approach that empowers communities while strengthening institutional capacities.
The programme's emphasis on gender equality, community and media engagement is expected to contribute significantly to improving health outcomes in the state. With the commitment of state and local governments, and the support of partners like Global Affairs Canada, the initiative is poised to become a model for sustainable, community-driven healthcare reform in Nigeria.
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Healthcare services