Musa Na Allah Sokoto
Sokoto State in collaboration with PLAN International Humanitarian non-governmental organization and the Canadian government has flagged off a groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction and renovation of seven Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) in the state.
Under the arrangement, seven PHCs were selected for rehabilitation by the Canadian government.
The groundbreaking ceremony indicated the commencement of the project at the selected primary health centers across the seven local government areas including Arkilla in Wamakko, Tudun Wada in Sokoto South, Kofar Rini in Sokoto North, Jabo in Tambuwal and Salame in Kware areas respectively.
The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Jamie Christoff said the Canadian government support was aimed at addressing the challenges of healthcare in the state, with emphasis on women and children.
Mr. Christoff who was represented by Mr. Usie Charles, the Country Director of PLAN International in Nigeria reiterated that Nigeria’s primary health centers are first on line of support by the government of Canada.
“That is why we decided to focus our attention on PHCs, and by so doing the health care of the citizens of the state will be tremendously improved.”
The project is funded by the Canadian government and the intervention funds earmarked for the rehabilitation project have already been granted and hope to expand the project when additional funds from the good people of Canada are made available.
“We are here not only for the construction of the PHCs but also to join hands with the state government and the Ministry of Health in renovating existing primary health care centers across the state.
“The comprehensive approach will provide better healthcare services and improve the lives of women, children, and youth in the state.”
The State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu appealed to the Canadian government to expand the rehabilitation projects to cover all 23 local government areas in the state to enhance and address challenges of health care in the state.
The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Idris Muhammed Gobir commended the sponsor and implementing partners for their infrastructural development of Sokoto state’s health care system.
Earlier, the state commissioner for health, Hajiya Asabe Balarabe thanked the Canadian government and the implementing organization Plan International for their commitments to boosting the health sector in the state.
Balarabe further assured that the state government would continue to collaborate with organizations willing to support the state in the development of the Sokoto state health sector.
