The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has approved $4.49 million dollars grant for healthcare interventions in Adamawa.

The grant would fast-track the rehabilitation of nine primary healthcare facilities in eight local government areas of the state.

Laurent De Boeck, Chief of Mission IOM, made the disclosure on Wednesday during the inauguration of the project at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola.

Mr De Boeck said that 150,000 residents would benefit from the rehabilitated facilities, and 80 persons with disabilities would benefit from referrals and specialised assistance, while 1,350 other beneficiaries would benefit from cash-for-work.

According to him, the project will build the capacity of 216 healthcare professionals in Maiha, Michika, Song, Mubi-North, Mubi-South, Hong, Lanurde and Gombi LGAs.

The IOM official further said that fostering peaceful coexistence and an inclusive environment was crucial for any country facing conflict and displacement.

“Encouraging the return and resettlement of IDPs along with ensuring access to qualified healthcare is a vital part of this effort.

“The support is also aimed at strengthening the capacities of governments in the six conflict-affected states in the North-East,” he said.

Earlier, Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri said the project would complement the government’s decision to close IDP camps across the state.

Represented by his deputy, Kaletapwa Farauta, the governor said the project was aimed at addressing health related issues among other needs of the displaced persons, returnees and host communities.

He assured that the state government would leverage the Japanese experience to build a world-class 21st-century economy through the application of ICT in schools, deployment of digital health technologies, and entrepreneurship development.

The governor reiterated his commitment to exploring opportunities for establishing technical and development cooperation with development partners to address the health and other needs of the people.

(NAN)