FG assures global community on PHC Services

By Tobias Lengnang

The federal government has assured the global community of its continued commitment to honour all her obligations and deliver on her responsibility on immunization and Primary Health Care services.
Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Folorunsho Adewale, gave the assurance at the closing ceremony of a 2-day retreat on Nigeria’s Strategy for Immunization and PHC System Strengthening, in Abuja.
Prof. Adewale said the present administration was committed to the sustainability of funds and other logistics to ensuring effective immunization services and PHC in general, stressing that the government was doing everything humanly possible to ensure the safety and survival of Nigerian Children.
He said as experts, he was looking on to the participants to adopt a holistic approach to integrated health care package at all levels of government in driving efficient Primary Health Care system in the country.
He described the availability of vaccines as a critical element of effective immunization services delivery and he also described immunization as the most cost effective public intervention the world over.
He expressed delight to the Board Members of Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi) and other Donor Agencies for their support and huge investments in the nation’s immunization services and PHC.
He said government was collaborating with the state and Local Governments on Primary Health Care to entrench ownership and participation.
Executive Director and Chief Executive of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib identified PHC as the most crucial strategy frontline health care in providing basic health care services to the people at the community level.
Speaking on behalf of Donor Agencies, a member of GAVI Board, Jason Jane applauded the spirit of transparency and accountability being demonstrated by the present administration, saying that Gavi was committed to Nigeria’s immunization and PHC services.
Also speaking, Dr. Fiona Braka, World Health Organization (WHO) EPI Team Leader, who spoke on behalf of Development Partners, said the Partners were committed to the principles of engagement outlined for GAVI transition period and beyond.
She identified fund as critical to the successful implementation of NPHDA’s programmes and activities and urged Government at all levels to increase budgetary allocation to PHC.