The Adamawa State government, in collaboration with UNICEF, has commenced the revitalisation of six primary healthcare centres (PHCs) across five local government areas (LGAs) of the state.

Suleiman Bashir, executive chairman of the Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ADSPHCDA), stated this at the PHC Revitalisation, Kickstarting, and Formal Handover of Project Sites on Friday in Yola.

Mr Bashir said the project, implemented through the ADSPHCDA, aimed to reduce maternal and child mortality by improving access to quality primary healthcare services.

He said the initiative underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare delivery.

The executive chairman said the handover marked the commencement of rehabilitation works, adding that more engagements, including physical site visits, would follow to ensure effective implementation.

He commended the fund for its sustained partnership with the state, noting that previous phases of UNICEF-supported projects were executed with high-quality standards.

The state’s commissioner for health and human services, Felix Tangwami, assured that contractors would adhere strictly to approved standards and timelines.

Mr Tangwami, represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Zirra Bubanani, expressed appreciation to UNICEF for the collaboration, adding that the selected contractors had proven track records in executing similar projects in the state.

Also speaking, Nuhzat Rafique, UNICEF’s chief of field office, Bauchi, said the project would focus on rehabilitating service delivery components, including solar power, water supply, and sanitation facilities.

Ms Rafique said the six PHCs were located in Fufore, Shelleng, Gombi, Michika and Mubi North LGAs and would be completed within three months.

She said Fufore has two facilities, while the other four LGAs each have one.

She urged facility heads to promptly hand over the sites to contractors, stressing that the project, funded by the Global Fund, was critical to saving the lives of women and children.

Bello Ibrahim, speaking on behalf of beneficiary communities, thanked UNICEF and the state government, saying the revitalised facilities would significantly improve healthcare services, especially for mothers and children.

The highlight of the event includes the signing of documents between the state government and UNICEF, as well as the formal handover of project sites to contractors.

(NAN)