Towards better healthcare system: FG, EU Sign €70m Health Grant

The Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget and National planning and the Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA) yesterday signed a 70 million euros pact to help newborn, maternal and child health in the country.

The first stage of the EU-funded health grant project would be implemented jointly by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria and the target states.

According to UNICEF, “50 million euros of the grant disbursed through UNICEF aims to ensure that by 2020, 80 percent of the wards in Adamawa, Bauchi and Kebbi states will have functional primary health care centers, providing round-the-clock services to three million children under the age of five, as well as almost a million pregnant women and lactating mothers.

“20 million Euros disbursed through WHO will support the strengthening of health care systems towards achieving universal health coverage in Anambra and Sokoto states. The project will also support efforts to eradicate polio permanently from Nigeria.”

However, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, who signed on behalf of the Federal Government, made a statement that the agreement is significant in the history of Nigeria, adding that the project is really achievable.

Good news, right? Let us see how this pact will be executed. How optimistic are you about this pact? Kindly share your views about this in the comment section below.