The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced its intention to assist with the development of a sustainable workforce for the Colleges of Nursing Sciences in Cross River.

This was disclosed by Yewande Olatunji, WHO’s state coordinator on Friday in Calabar during a meeting with the health commissioner, Henry Ayuk.

Ms Olatunji said Cross River had built a solid foundation for the health sector workforce through the establishment of four colleges of nursing sciences and midwifery.

She said WHO would partner Cross River to do needs analysis and prioritise support for the felt needs and yawning human resource gaps in the institutions.

Mr Ayuk, commended WHO for the consistent support in the areas of immunisation and surveillance activities in the state, especially during the recent cholera and Lassa fever outbreaks.

He told the visiting WHO team that the administration of Governor Bassey Otu would continue to partner relevant organisations towards the attainment of basic healthcare services in the state.

“I welcome WHO’s innovative support promised to develop the workforce in the Colleges of Nursing Sciences in Cross River.

“This sort of development will form the basis for further collaboration in other areas of workforce development in the state, especially in the area of clinical training for the state College of Medicine.

“This is the governor’s vision to develop a comprehensive healthcare service in the state,” he said.

(NAN)