Adamawa State government has kicked off a $4.4 million project supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to rehabilitate nine primary healthcare facilities in eight local government areas.
The chief of mission of International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Laurent De Boeck disclosed this at the inauguration of the project yesterday at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola.
De Boeck said 150,000 residents would benefit from the rehabilitated facilities, 80 persons with disabilities would benefit from referrals and specialised assistance to 1,350 beneficiaries would also receive cash-for-work
He added that 216 healthcare professionals would also receive training as part of the projects in Maiha, Michika, Song, Mubi-North, Mubi-South, Hong, Lanurde and Gombi LGAs.
De Boeck said for any country facing conflict and displacement, fostering peaceful coexistence and an inclusive environment is crucial.
He said, “Encouraging the return and resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) along with ensuring access to qualify healthcare is a vital part of this effort”.
in his keynote address, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, said the project was complementing the government’s decision to close IDPs’ camps across the state.
Fintiri said the state government is leveraging on the Japanese experience in building a 21st Century economy through the use of information, communication technology (ICT) in schools, deployment of digital health technologies and entrepreneurship development.
Represented by his deputy, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, the governor explained that the project was aimed at addressing health-related issues among other needs of the IDPs, returnees and the host communities.
He expressed government commitment to explore all opportunities of establishing technical and development cooperation with development partners to address the health and other needs of the people.
The head of IOM sub-office in Yola, Maliki Hamidine, said the project would enhance the well-being of the people, especially the vulnerable, thereby fortifying the health system to ensure citizens have access to improved quality healthcare services.