By Musa Ubandawaki in Sokoto

SOKOTO: PLAN International Non-Governmental Organization has on Tuesday handled over 7 renovated Primary Health Care Centers to Sokoto State government at a ceremony performed at PHC Arkilla Sokoto state

PLAN International is registered in Nigeria with the Corporate Commission, driving changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using reach, experience, and knowledge. 

In his opening remarks, the representative of Plan International and country Director Usie Charles represented by Dr Helen Isiong said,  they are determined to attain their ambition of continually strengthening and doing 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.

 “It is our responsibility and appreciation to particularly thank the Ministry of Health who have always provided the guidance on how this can be achieved”.

According to him ” We have always been interested in supporting and keying the plans of Sokoto State government, particularly the ministry of Health to increase access to each and gender to appropriate services”.

“It’s our commitment that with the support we are getting from the Sokoto State government, we will continue to do more.

He assured that PLAN International will continue to implement and work in Sokoto State through their implementing partners and donors to ensure that the plan of the state government under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Aliyu is fully achieved.

 “We are ready to support him towards delivering the objectives of the government”

Taking over the facilities, the Commissioner Sokoto State Ministry of Health Hajiya Asabe Balarabe said, “On behalf of the benefiting communities I  appreciate the good gesture of Plan International Nigeria for the rehabilitation and equipping of the 7 health facilities across the state which according to her “is aimed at strengthening health service delivery in line with the state government’s 9 points Agenda.

Balarabe further stated that the state governor Dr Ahmed Aliyu has promised to
 ensure a functional PHC per ward to enhance health care delivery for Women and children.

“The construction and rehabilitation of these health facilities by Plan International and funded by Canada funds for international development will no doubt improve the health status of inhabitants of those communities, particularly women and Children.

“The gesture will also strengthen coverage of routine immunization, other primary health care services and as well boost the morale of health workers in the affected communities”.

In her remarks, the executive secretary of SSPHCDA Dr Larai Aliyu said Sokoto state acknowledges as well other services supported by Plan International which include capacity building of health workers, provision of maternal and child health equipment, provision of drugs and consumable to health facilities, support for quality  reproductive health services and rights for adolescents.

 According to her, the demand was created through the training and retraining of community health workers and volunteers.

“It may interest you to note that the Sokoto State Government under the able leadership of His Excellency Ahmed Aliyu is working tirelessly in improving the health indices of the citizenry particularly maternal and child health 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 undertaken over for renovation and this will continue until all the ward focal PHCS in the state are upgraded to reach the best standard for accessible, affordable and efficient health care service delivery at the grassroots.”

“Sokoto state government has employed and deployed additional skilled health care workers to health all facilities across the state”.

Earlier in his speech the representative of the Sokoto state Governor who double as the secretary to the state Government Alhaji Muhammadu Bello Sifawa reassure the good people of Sokoto State that health care is undoubtedly a key priority of this administration.

He said the present administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu recognizes these investments as necessary steps towards achieving universal health coverage (UHC) and health-related sustainable development.

” Let me  appreciate the roles played by LGA Chairmen, traditional and religious leaders for their contribution to the successes recorded in the state as reported in the recent surveys.

“I wish to call on all to sustain and redouble our efforts to increase demand for, and utilization of PHC services in their respective domains.”

” I want to also use this opportunity to thank our development partners for their support in improving the health and well-being of the people of Sokoto State”.

“While appreciating Plan International for their kind support, please accept the esteemed regards of His Excellency the Executive Governor of Sokoto State for all the support Plan International has been rendering to Sokoto State”,

“On this note and on behalf of the State Government, I hereby take the 7  renovated Primary health care centers by Plan International in partnership with Canada