NASS committed to adequate funding of PHC nationwide -Usman
In its bid to ensure that Primary Health Care Facilities across the country is strengthened, the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Health Hon. Muhammad Usman has reiterated the commitment of National Assembly to ensure adequate budgetary allocation and release for procurement of vaccines and effective immunization of Nigerian children.
Speaking at the ongoing 2-day retreat on Nigeria Strategy for Immunization and PHC Strengthening, Hon. Usman said that the House of Representatives and the Senate are concluding effective legislation that will guarantee adequate funds for vaccine procurement, immunisation services.
The lawmaker assured Nigeria, the donors and development partners of the personal commitment of both the Senate President Dr. Bukola Salaki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara to ensuring budgetary allocation and timely release of required funds for immunization and PHC services.
Muhammad recalled commendable efforts made by the leadership and members of the two Chambers to ensure safety and survival of Nigerian Children stressing that the two Chambers were convinced that the nation was capable of funding immunisation services and other PHC services for the entire citizenry.
He commended the Global Alliance for Vaccines & Immunization, other donors and development partners and the ED/CEO-NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib for his dynamic leadership at effectively driving the national PHC agenda
In his remarks, the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency Dr. Faisal Shuaib said the retreat was aimed at reaching a common alignment and understanding by the Government, Partners, Donors and the Development Partners on the Gavi transition period and how to navigate the roadmap that has been outlined.
Dr. Faisal also emphasised that participants were expected to come out with an acceptable strategic document that would describe ways of sustaining immunization financing, improving coverage and equity.
He commended President Muhammad Buhari and the Hon. Minister of Health Professor Isaac Adewole for their inspiring leadership and the National Assembly, Members of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Development Partners and Donor Agencies for huge financial commitments and support for immunization and PHC services.
In her contribution, the Chairman of the session and a member, Gavi Governing Board, Professor Helen Rees expressed great delight on the impressive commitments and support of Nigeria’s Government at all levels to immunization services and PHC.
