UNICEF Renovates Three Primary Healthcare Facilities in Katsina

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has recently refurbished three Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities in Katsina State, aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility and delivery. These renovated centers, situated in Daura, Batagarawa, and Funtua Local Government Areas, are part of a project funded by the Global Fund.

Upon the handover of the renovated Maternal and Child Health Centre (MCHC) in Bakiyawa, the Health Manager of UNICEF Field Office Kano, Dr. Serekeberehan Seyoum, emphasized the need for continued investment in the healthcare sector to address the challenges faced by women and children. Dr. Seyoum urged the Katsina State Government to ensure adequate staffing, regular supply of essential medicines and resources, routine maintenance, and the prompt resumption of quality services at the renovated facilities.

Seyoum stressed that the success of these investments relies on effective management and the ongoing commitment of relevant government authorities and community stakeholders. He highlighted that the completion of the renovated facilities represents a significant milestone in improving access to essential healthcare services and creating better working conditions for health workers in the affected communities.

Dr. Seyoum explained that the upgraded facilities will substantially improve healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable populations such as women and children in the three beneficiary local government areas. He also stated that UNICEF has formally transferred responsibility for the management, utilization, and maintenance of these facilities to the Katsina State Primary Health Care Agency.

Dr. Shema’u Kabir, the acting Executive Secretary of the state Primary Health Care Agency, revealed that the state government would provide the necessary equipment for the facility to resume full operations. She added that the agency would assess the facility's current needs and formally request additional equipment from the state government.

Kabir further explained that health workers who were previously providing services at the facility would return to their duties following the renovation. She also highlighted that the state government is currently implementing a program to revitalize at least one healthcare facility in each of the state's 361 wards, with another facility in Bakiyawa having already received government intervention, including renovation, equipment provision, and human resources.