UNICEF supports Borno with N420 billion medical, surgical supplies
By Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has handed over $300 million (N420 billion) medical and surgical equipment to the Borno state government.
According to the UN health Agency, the donated equipment was to improve healthcare delivery and strengthen the capacity of primary healthcare facilities for women, newborn, and the vulnerable children in the state.
Presenting the various equipment on Friday in Maiduguri, to the Commissioner of Health, Prof. Baba Mallam Gana, the UNICEF Chief of Borno Field Office, Phuong Nguyen disclosed: “Over 25 percent of health facilities in the Northeast have been destroyed or are non-functional,” noting that while a shortage of health workers and vital equipment and drugs has impeded healthcare delivery services.
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“Today’s event was an intervention in the healthcare sector with supplementing efforts of the Borno state government,” she said.
The medical supplies, comprise baby bassinets, bed screens, stretchers, trolleys and examination tables, among others,” stating that they will enhance service delivery and quality of services available to vulnerable pregnant women, newborns and children across the state.
Besides the equipment, Nguyen added that UNICEF will soon hand over a newly built Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) and supplies worth $15, 000 (N21 million).
“The health centre is to strengthen healthcare delivery services for children and adults affected in the 14-year conflict,” she said.
She continued; “Each day of conflict in 2020, claimed the lives of 170 children from direct and indirect causes in northeast Nigeria.”
According to a United Nations (UNDP) agency report, the over a decade conflict has reduced access to health services in the state.
Nguyen noted that protracted conflict has continued to contribute to incessant disease outbreaks and maternal and child mortality rates, including child malnutrition in the region.
She explained that with the donated medical and surgical equipment, they will ensure that most of the disadvantaged children and women have a chance of survival, enjoy good health and fulfill their potential.
While responding to UNICEF’s donated equipment, Prof. Gana said: “Our primary healthcare centres will be fully equipped to serve over 400, 000 pregnant women,” noting that this will also reduce high rates of
He, therefore, assured the UNICEF field officer of the judicious application and use of the donated medical and surgical equipment.
