Yobe govt. partners UNICEF, Gates Foundation to boost grassroots healthcare

The Yobe Government and UNICEF, with funding from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation launched a challenge to improve Primary Health Care (PHC) services at the grassroots in the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Abdullahi Bego, made this known in Damaturu on Thursday after the State Executive Council meeting.

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Bego said the challenge, tagged “Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge” (PHC Challenge), would provide financial incentives to local government areas that achieved best results in primary healthcare services.

According to him, the competition is designed to encourage innovation and accelerate progress.

He added that while UNICEF would manage the challenge and provide technical assistance ttothe local councils, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s funding would ensure sustainability.

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Bego further said that the state executive council had approved several other initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents.

The council, according to him, approved the establishment of three new weather stations in Damaturu, Machina and Gulani local government areas.

He said the stations would provide valuable data on climate patterns, which could be used to inform agricultural practices and improve food security.

The commissioner said the council also approved variations in funding for several road construction across the state.

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He said the roads include Chumbusko-Tagali road, Damaturu-Kalallawa (left side), Nguru-Balanguwa road, and Balanguwa-Kumaganam road.

Bego added that the executive council also approved funding for the rehabilitation and extension of the Banquet Multipurpose Hall at Government House, Damaturu.

The project, according to him, will improve government facilities and provide  suitable venues for hosting of important events.

(NAN)