Plan International Nigeria,a girls’ and children’s rights non-governmental organisation has announced the donation of hospital equipment and supplies worth about N1 billion to the Sokoto and Bauchi State governments as part of a project funded by Global Affairs of Canada.
The donation, in addition to the construction and rehabilitation of seven healthcare facilities in Sokoto state was formally handed over to the Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency .
Speaking at the handover ceremony of the healthcare facilities in Sokoto state on Wednesday,bthe Director, Programme Quality and Influencing at Plan International Nigeria, Dr Helen Idiong, said the support was “part of the implementation of Plan International Nigeria’s 5-year Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (Aspire) project, funded by Global Affairs Canada towards advancing women and girls’ health, rights, and equality.”
Idiong who represented the Country Director of Plan International Nigeria, Charles Usie expressed gratitude to Global Affairs Canada for their consistent support describing the gesture a significant milestone and step towards enhancing healthcare systems in the states.
In a statement, Idiong applauded the attention to adolescents and young people, through the Aspire project, which would not only ensure adequate health care for the people of Sokoto and Bauchi states but also their well being as the project has mental health and psychosocial support, education financial empowerment and community development components.
The donated equipment which includes hospital beds, examination and delivery couches, cupboard, metal pedal bins, automatic fetoscope, , instrument trollies, manual & electrical vacuum, sphygmomanometer, sanitary pads, hospital consumableswould be distributed to 53 and 36 public health care facilities in Sokoto State and Bauchi State respectively.
The Head of Development Cooperation, Global Affairs Canada, Mr. Arash Irantalab Tehrani, in his remarks said “these health facilities represent not just a physical transformation, but a crucial step forward in strengthening healthcare services for the people of Sokoto state, especially the adolescent and marginalised population.” He further said “this has provided an opportunity to showcase an inclusive, adaptable model that addresses critical healthcare needs in Sokoto state.”
The Commissioner of Health in Sokoto State, Hajiya Asabe Balarabe, described the event as a significant milestone in the collective journey to improve healthcare delivery in Sokoto state.
The Secretary to the Sokoto state Governor, Alhaji Muhammad Bello Sifawa, who represented Governor, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu at the event attended by senior government officials, civil society actors, and traditional rulers, amongst all others, commended Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and Plan International Nigeria for their support, saying it would have a direct impact in the lives of the people of the State, highlighting the state government’s commitment to quality and accessible healthcare.
The event marks the conclusion of phase 1 of the structural renovation of healthcare facilities across Arkilla, Kafor Rini, Tudun Wada, Jabo, Salame, Kware, and Binji communities in Wamamkko, Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Tambuwal, Gwadabawa, Kware, and Binji Local Government Areas respectively.
