The initiative known as Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Service has begun the process of revitalizing 58 Primary Healthcare Centers in Nasarawa State. This effort aims to enhance access to healthcare services across the state’s 13 local government areas.
During a stakeholders’ engagement event in Akwanga LGA, the Project Manager of IMPACT in the state, Adamu Yakubu-Ohagenyi, highlighted the collaboration between IMPACT, the state government’s Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and support from the World Bank for this initiative.
Yakubu-Ohagenyi assured that the revitalization and upgrading of all 58 facilities spread across the 13 local government areas will be completed within six weeks. The project also includes capacity building for health workers through training and improved incentives to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, as well as combat malaria infections through immunization and other interventions.
The project will empower Primary Healthcare Centers to enlist more health workers who will conduct outreach programs and home visits to ensure widespread access to healthcare services across the state.
Despite the ongoing efforts to improve healthcare services, there is a challenge with citizens being hesitant to seek medical care at healthcare facilities. To address this issue, stakeholders including traditional leaders, the National Council of Women Society, and religious leaders were convened to raise awareness about the importance of utilizing nearby healthcare facilities for medical care.
The Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health, Dr. John Damina, acknowledged the state’s progress in controlling malaria and reducing maternal and child mortality rates. He emphasized the need for continuous advocacy to encourage participation in healthcare programs, promising ongoing support to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and provide necessary resources to address healthcare challenges.