Adamawa: The Adamawa Government has officially taken possession of nine primary healthcare centres that have been constructed and renovated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to enhance healthcare services within the state. The facilities were received by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, on behalf of Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri, during a ceremony held in Gyawana, Lamurde Local Government Area.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the centres are part of a project titled ‘Accelerating Access to Basic Services for Internally Displaced Persons, Returnees, and Host Communities in the North-East Region’. The initiative includes the construction of four new centres and the renovation, upgrading, and equipping of five existing ones to ensure they can provide 24-hour services. The healthcare centres are strategically located in Gombi, Lamurde, Hong, Mubi-North, Mubi-South, Maiha, Song, and Michika Local Government Areas.
Prof. Farauta highlighted that the projects, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), are designed with solar energy systems and solar-powered water supply to guarantee continuous electricity and access to clean water. She praised IOM, JICA, and other development partners for their ongoing collaboration and urged them to expand such interventions to assist more displaced persons, returnees, and vulnerable communities. The state government, she reiterated, is committed to enhancing healthcare infrastructure, with 68 primary healthcare projects currently underway across the state’s 21 LGAs.
Earlier, IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Ms. Sharon Dimanche, expressed gratitude to the government and people of Japan, JICA, and Adamawa for their support and partnership. She noted that the health facilities, made possible through a 4.4 million dollar grant, are set to offer vital services such as maternal and child healthcare, psychosocial support, and treatment for survivors of gender-based violence. Additionally, the initiative has facilitated the training of 219 frontline healthcare workers and bolstered local capacity through livelihood activities.
Dr. Suleiman Bashir, Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, called for the provision of ambulances to aid in referrals and emergency response at the new centres. Meanwhile, Mr. Felix Tangwami, the Commissioner for Health, represented by Director Titus Takurde, encouraged local communities to take ownership and ensure the sustainability of the facilities.