From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State government has commended Breakthrough Action Nigeria, a USAID agency for changing the socio-behaviour of people in the state towards health services in the state.
Commissioner for Health in the state, Alhaji Yunusa Samaila, stated this during the closing out ceremony of Breakthrough Action Nigeria in Birnin Kebbi.
Samaila noted that since the inception of the agency in in 2018, they have enhanced the capacity of the health system as well improved effective behaviours, and changed communication among the people.
According to him, “The B-A is a USAID-assisted program that seeks to change the health-seeking behaviour of Kebbi State citizens with a focus on Maternal, New Born Child Health and Nutrition and Covid-19.
“May I say with pride that throughout the period of implementation, B-A Nigeria in Kebbi has demonstrated and exemplified the sense of effective collaboration and partnership forging strong alliances with government entities, non-governmental organizations, Community leaders and the private sector. Together we have worked tirelessly to achieve ambitious goals aimed at reducing Maternal morbidity and mortality rates while simultaneously enhancing the capacity of the health system to improve effective behaviour change communication among the people in a bid to reduce maternal and newborn death.
“As we reflect on the achievements of B-A Kebbi let me express without prejudice the significant milestone we have achieved that includes among others, B-A has put together a coordinated package of intervention that strategically addressed the different factors that affect the MNCH+N health-seeking behaviour among women and children.
“Each of these was implemented in a coordinated way to reinforce messages and ensure people were reached and their health-seeking behaviour has changed effectively. More than One Million women were reached and their behaviour towards MNCH+N and Covid-19 health-seeking behaviour has evidently changed contributing to the reduction of morbidity and mortality rates in Kebbi State.
“However, as we transit from USAID-B-A Kebbi, it is incumbent upon us to ensure the sustainability of the interventions, we must build upon the foundation that has been laid down, invest in health care infrastructure, human resource and capacity building initiatives to further strengthen and enhance our response to healthcare needs of our people”.
The Commissioner who sought the cooperation of stakeholders to sustain the achievements recorded by the agency, noted that they should work hard to leave a better health sector for the next generation.
He said: “Let me enjoin all our stakeholders that, it is crucial we must continue to prioritize evidence-based practices in healthcare delivery, engaging communities and relevant stakeholders at all levels to ensure effective, efficient and responsive healthcare intervention for the benefit of our people.
“May I further call on all and sundry in the health system that let us rededicate ourselves to the noble cause of advancing the health and well-being of the citizens of Kebbi State, let us draw from the achievement of B-A Kebbi State and pledge to continue working together towards achieving Universal Health Coverage where every citizen has access to healthcare services, I am certain and optimistic together we can build a healthier and more prosperous Kebbi State for generation to come”.
He commended the state governor, Dr Nasir Idris, for his commitment to the development of health infrastructure and human resources and for giving them the required support to work to improve the health of the citizenry.
Samaila said that the Ministry under his watch will continue to give its maximum cooperation based on the guidance of the Governor to deliver good health services to the people of the state.
Deputy Project Director, Shittu Abdul Aguye in his remark, disclosed that the intervention of the agency in the state has changed the narrative in the health sector.
He noted that about five million people have been reached when the rate of child and mother mortality has reduced.