By Ladi Dapson, Maiduguri
The Borno State government has revealed that health sector indices has greatly improved despite challenges, noting that traditional rulers and other stakeholders will be recruited to attaining the target goal across the local government areas of the state.
Speaking on the success recorded in the heath sector, Umar Usman Kadafur, State Deputy Governor who is a chairman Task Force on Immunization during its concluded third quarter meeting and cash awards to top best councils areas held in Maiduguri.
According to him, said the meeting reviewed the progress made in polio eradication and the delivery of other integrated Primary Health Care (PHC) services across the state.
Khadafur added in recognition of outstanding performance, several Local Government Areas (LGAs) and healthcare facilities received cash awards for their exceptional efforts in improving immunization coverage.
The Chairmen of Konduga, Mafa, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), Chibok, Kaga, Magumeri, and Kwaya Kusar LGAs were honoured as the best-performing LGAs in immunization for the quarter. Each received a ₦1 million award, while Kwaya Kusar LGA, which emerged as the overall best performer, received ₦2.5 million.
He said, ” We want to thank everyone that made this to happen in their various LGAs, It is a good news that healthcare service delivery has improved especially eradication of polio and others. We believe that this token would spur you to do more at grassroots levels.
“With support from donor agencies, the Task Force has introduced this performance-based reward system to motivate LGAs to do more. We aim to foster healthy competition and encourage improvement in primary healthcare services across the state,” he stated.
Additional awards were presented to the:,District Heads of Nganzai, Kala Balge, and Biu LGAs,Facility Managers of: Bargo PHC in Shani LGA,IDP Camp PHC in Dikwa,Monguno PHC. After presenting the cheques, Kadafur congratulated the awardees for their commitment to healthcare delivery and encouraged them not to relent in their efforts.
He further emphasized the Borno State Government’s commitment to improving healthcare services and urged other LGAs to emulate the top performers to qualify for future recognition.
Mohammed Arab, the Executive Director of the Borno State Primary Health Care Development Board (SPHCDB), commended the improvements observed in various LGAs and called on all PHC facilities across the state to redouble their efforts.
Alhaji Abdullahi Yanga, Chairman of Kwaya Kusar LGA, expressed pride in receiving the top award, attributing the success to the tireless work of health personnel and the local government’s commitment to supporting immunization.
“Our success is a reflection of our passion for health, the training we’ve received, and guidance from experts. The Governor’s focus on healthcare and education has inspired us to do more,” he said.
Mairu Abdalla, Chairman of Kaga LGA, also expressed gratitude for the award, noting that the progress made in his area is the result of sustained support for healthcare workers and adherence to the state’s policy direction on health and education.
The meeting was attended by key dignitaries, including:which include
His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Bama, Development partners
UNICEF, Rotary International,World Health Organization (WHO), Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,Dangote Foundation,National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA)
Solina Health, and Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development.
