Press Release: Bagudu Inaugurates PHC Steering and Operational Committees

In his determined effort to provide quality healthcare services to the people of the state, Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Monday, in Birnin Kebbi, inaugurated the Steering and Operational Committees on Primary Healthcare PHC in the state.

The epoch-making event provides the needed pedestal for the ongoing implementation of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), between Kebbi State Government and USAID.

Speaking at the event, Bagudu noted that, there was a lot of work to be done by the Committees and acknowledged the invaluable support of USAID to the state in various ways like the provision of assorted drugs and medicaments.

The Kebbi Governor lamented that, the hitherto COVID-19 precarious situation was aggravated by the recent flood disasters across the state.

This, Bagudu, further decried had contaminated water sources , forced relocations to safe haven, deaths, losses of farm produce, especially rice, livestock, houses and arrays of critical infrastructure, among others .

Bagudu lauded the support of USAID to the people and government of Kebbi, in their critical time of need, saying, “We will continue to appreciate and cherish this noble gesture.”

Bagudu said: “We have to therefore move in fast and hit the ground running, in the build up to the forthcoming Bi-annual MOU Review Meeting between the state and USAID.

“Formidable steps are being taken to ensure the successful convention of this review meeting and we will leave nothing to chance, in this direction.”

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Director Health Population and Nutrition Nigeria, Paul McDarment representing the Mission Director, Ann Peterson who spoke virtually expressed deep condolences to the people and government of Kebbi state on the recent devastating floods in the state.

He expressed shock that, the floods had washed away over twenty five per cent of expected rice harvests, caused so much devastation of livelihoods, deaths and displacements, among other unpalatable situations.

The Director assured of the Agency's sustained support to the state in its difficult times, to further alleviate the suffering of the victims.

He recalled that, the state and USAID had in May, 2019, signed the MOU on PHC, aimed at supporting the revitalisation of PHC in Kebbi state.

He added: “This is to enable it provide quality, sustainable, affordable and preventive healthcare services to the people of the state.”

“The Governor has expressed the desire to formalize the agreement, to fully implement the terms of the MOU.”

“It will among other key issues, see to the implementation of an efficacious drugs revolving fund scheme across the state.”

“USAID is open to this agreement, as well committed to bolstering other robustly existing health related projects between the state and the agency, being implemented by several agencies of the two parties.”

He explained that, the two committees were formed directly in line with Article 5, of the MOU that seek to provide oversights and planning instruments for the activities lined up under it.

The USAID director further commended Bagudu for his unrelenting commitment towards the smooth take off of the committees, to brainstorm on the key MOU deliverables.

The steering committee which has 13 members is to be chaired by the Kebbi State Governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu while the Hon. Commissioner for Health, Hon. Jafar Mohammed will co- chair the committee.

Under the Operational committee which had 12 members, the Hon. Commissioner for Health, Jafar Mohammed will serve as the Chairman while the USAID HPN Director will Co-Chair the committee.

Signed:
YAHAYA SARKI
Special Adviser SA Media to Kebbi State Governor
21/9/2020