Gombe, UNICEF upgrade PHCs to improve maternal, child care

Gombe, UNICEF upgrade PHCs to improve maternal, child care

The Gombe State government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has begun revitalising three primary healthcare facilities in Akko, Kwami, and Dukku Local Government Areas (LGAs).

Dr Habu Dahiru, the state’s Commissioner of Health, made the announcement on Wednesday during a ceremony marking the official handover of the facilities to contractors.

He said the government was focusing on upgrading all primary healthcare centres, as they served as the first point of care for patients in communities.

Dahiru explained that the revitalisation aimed to bring the facilities to level two standards, including climate-friendly structures, staff quarters, water supply, and solar-powered electricity.

UNICEF is supporting one facility in each of the three LGAs, with contractors mobilised to begin work and a completion timeline of three months.

The commissioner said the upgraded facilities would enhance maternal and infant care, particularly in labour rooms, pharmacies, and laboratories, benefiting overall community health services.

He urged community leaders in the three LGAs to cooperate with contractors to ensure timely completion of the project.

Dahiru commended UNICEF and other development partners for their contributions to improving healthcare for residents of Gombe State.

Dr Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, said the project strengthened the healthcare system and aimed to save the lives of mothers and newborns.

She added that operational, well-equipped facilities attracted communities to seek care, stressing that access to water, toilets, and comfortable service areas improved utilisation.

Rafique hailed the partnership between Gombe State government and UNICEF in efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality across the state.

She noted that solar power, water supply, WASH systems, and facility service areas would be revitalised, urging stakeholders to ensure quality work for lasting community benefit.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PHCs were handed over to the contractors by the Gombe State government and UNICEF for the commencement of works.

Gombe, UNICEF upgrade PHCs to improve maternal, child care