ALGON Partners with Stakeholders to Transform Primary Healthcare Delivery

From Abel Leonard, Lafia

In a pivotal move to enhance primary healthcare delivery at the grassroots, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) held a strategic meeting with the Development Partners Group for Health (DPG-H) on Wednesday in Abuja. 

This initiative highlights ALGON’s commitment to redefining healthcare at the local government level, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.

Speaking at the event yesterday in Abuja ALGON National President, Aminu Mua’zu Maifata, who is also the Chairman of Lafia Local government council reiterated the association’s dedication to leveraging collaboration and innovation. “We are fully committed to building the capacities of local governments to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities, particularly in primary healthcare and basic education,” Maifata stated.

Sun reports that the recent Supreme Court judgment on Local Government autonomy has further fueled ALGON’s resolve to initiate this transformative journey. The multi-stakeholder meeting included representatives from the World Health Organisation (WHO), civil society organizations (CSOs), the Health Sector Reform Coalition, the private sector, and the Guild of Medical Doctors. The aim was to develop a roadmap and strategy for making primary healthcare a critical component of development, especially in rural areas.

“Our objective is to ensure effective and efficient health coverage across all communities in Nigeria,” Maifata added, noting that ALGON’s initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ and the Health Sector Investment Programme and SWAP.

He emphasized that the plan would strengthen the implementation of the World Health framework, particularly in areas of research, capacity building, and reducing mortality rates.

As ALGON advances its comprehensive strategy, the Association is set to revitalize and operationalize its Primary Health Care programme. The focus will be on ensuring standardization, excellence, and sustainability in service delivery through continuous monitoring and evaluation across Local Governments and Area Councils.

Sun also reports that the meeting was chaired by ALGON President Maifata and attended by other notable figures, including ALGON Deputy National President, Chief Moses Nomeh, Acting Director General Evan Enekwe, Shehu Jega Marshal, Chief of Staff to the National President, and Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Country Representative to Nigeria.