Bill Gates Foundation donates N180m to Nasarawa Govt
As part of efforts their social responsibility in promoting the welfare and health of Nigerians, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation over the weekend donated the sum of N180million to Nasarawa State Government to help in the revaltilization of Primary Healthcare in the State.
Making the donation, the leader of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Director, Integrated Delivery in the Foundation, Mr. Dana Hovig said the grant was meant to support the state in strengthening PHC System.
Mr. Hovig disclosed that Nasarawa State was the first state to have been given such support in Nigeria by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
He however commended the governor for his consistent commitment to PHC and improved living condition of the people of the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, acknowledged prompt cash release of funds in support of PHC activities in the state by the Governor.
Dr. Faisal described the grant signing ceremony as an historic event that signified brighter PHC in Nasarawa state.
The Executive Director regretted the morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases and advocated greater commitment of all political and stakeholders at all levels to PHC implementation.
Earlier in a presentation, the State Governor, Mallam Umar Tanko Al-Makura through the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Daniel Iya, highlighted the record breaking achievements of the state in Performance Based Health Financing and its impact at improving health outcomes in the state.
He also commended the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, as a worthy ambassador of the state and Nigeria who has distinguished himself in his service to the Nation and the world in general.
Governor Al-makura recalled how Dr. Faisal made the state proud during his patriotic, selfless and courageous service as National Coordinator of National Ebola Eradication Committee and while in the service of international organizations.
He expressed his profound appreciation to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, World Bank and Similar International Organizations for approving Nasarawa State for the receipt of the grant.
The governor assured the international community that the grant would be judiciously utilized to improve health system in the state especially to the overall benefits of the poor rural dwellers.
Ibeneme Ebelechukwu, Abuja
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