- Insufficient fund releases have hindered the effectiveness of primary health care centres in the state
Taraba’s Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Task Force on Primary Health Care, Aminu Alkali, affirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining the benefits brought by the UNICEF/GAVI health support project during a one-day retreat in Yola, Adamawa State.
Alkali highlighted the government’s appreciation for the funding and technical assistance provided by UNICEF and GAVI to the Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency. “The administration of Governor Agbu Kefas values the intervention and is determined to sustain the project’s gains as the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) comes to a close,” he stated.
He emphasized that healthcare delivery is a central aspect of the government’s agenda, prompting significant investments in the sector. “We inherited this MoU and are committed to its continued implementation,” Alkali added.
Dr. Tukura Nyigwa, Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency, pointed out that insufficient fund releases have hindered the effectiveness of primary health care centres in the state. Despite GAVI’s funding, the Taraba government has struggled to meet its obligations, including the engagement of 450 health workers.
“With GAVI engaging 300 workers, the state government must absorb them as the MoU concludes to ensure sustainability,” Nyigwa urged. He also called for the construction of a dedicated office for the agency to attract further funding from partners.
The retreat was attended by Local Government Council Chairmen and other health sector stakeholders.