NAN-HG-8
Inauguration
By Muhammad Bello
Sokoto July 18, 2017 (NAN) The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) says it will soon inaugurate new community health influencer/volunteer scheme in Sokoto state to enhance mobilisation of Nigerians to routine immunisation at the grassroots level.
NPHCDA’s Executive Director, Dr Faisal Shuaib, stated this on Tuesday when he led the management of the agency and development partners on a courtesy visit to Gov. Aminu Tambuwal in Sokoto.
He said the programme, to be rolled out in Sokoto within weeks would also deepen the fight against child- killer diseases.
Shuaib said the decision to roll out the programme in the state was because of the commitment of the government to improve primary healthcare in particular and health services delivery in general.
“I am happy to say that the state government’s commitment to settle all outstanding financial commitments with partners has filled all financial gaps in funding of projects.
“This has thrown the ball to our court and we are working to ensure full implementation of all projects on schedule,” he said.
He said the Federal Government had received request for technical support from the state government on routine immunisation, adding that the request was being implemented.
In his remarks, Tambuwal commended both USAID Nigeria and the NPHCDA for their commitment to improve health governance structures and well-being of the people of the state.
“As the executive director noted, we have no funding gap that has not been filled. Our biggest concern at the moment is data generation and interpretation.
“We are working with all partners to improve collection of data to ensure targeted persons get the required assistance they need,” Tambuwal said.
Tambuwal also said that his administration had approved the establishment of ward development committees, headed by traditional rulers and other influential persons, to serve as focal persons in their communities. (NAN)
BMN/OFN/DUA
Edited by Felix Nwadioha/Dada Ahmed