By Umar Dankano Yola.
Experts in the public health sector have converged in Yola, the Adamawa state capital to strategize on results based modalities to enhance reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health outcomes in Nigeria.
The two-day brainstorming session was organized by the Unicef in partnership with the Federal Government,UNFPA and Adamawa state government with the support of the European Union ( EU).
During the meeting which was the 4th National Governance and Coordination Committee (GCC) meeting of the European Union-funded Strengthening Access to Reproductive, Maternal and Adolescent Health (EU-SARAH) Programme far reaching resolutions were reached at.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to providing strategic leadership for reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health services.
Represented by Dr Ahmed Uzzi, Director of Family Health, and delivered by Amina Mohammed, said the government remained committed to building an equitable health system.
“We reaffirm our commitment to building a stronger health system that leaves no woman, child or adolescent behind
“Renewed commitments and strengthened partnerships must translate into reduced maternal and newborn mortality and improved quality of life for Nigerians,” he said.
Pate said that the ministry will continue collaborating with states and developme nt partners to ensure measurable impact under the EU-SARAH initiative noting that the programme would strengthen institutional capacity and support attainment of Universal Health Coverage under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his remarks, Anthony Ayeke, National coordinator of EU-SARAH initiative said that the meeting was important because it brings together federal and state actors to review progress, examine challenges and agree on the next steps and also focuses on results,coordination, accountability as what the society exactly needs.
“EU-SARAH is more than just a project , it is a partnership to strengthen systems and public spaces , community level, primary health care facilities and where it matters”.
Ayeke further stressed that, sustainable program in reproductive and adolescent health depends on strong institutions because it requires that women and girls are placed at the center of planning, service and delivery and financing adding that what matters must is coordinated actions, measurable improvements at all the institutional levels.
Speaking also Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri applauded the intervention being rendered to the state by development partners especially the European Union, Unicef and UNFPA assuring the experts of sustainability beyond the project’s life-span.
Represented by the Commissioner of Women Affairs, Mrs. Neido Kofulto, Fintiri said that the program was timely
and that, the intervention held great promise for addressing persistent health challenges affecting women and children.
He said efforts were being intensified to address the high burden of maternal, newborn and child mortality across the country.
Mr Mahara Jan Muthy, UNICEF Chief of Health, urged the Federal Government and states to increase domestic funding for health programmes.
He said additional investments were necessary to sustain gains beyond support provided under the EU-SARAH initiative.
Muthy noted that Nigeria remained among countries with the highest maternal and child mortality rates globally expressing optimism that ongoing interventions and government commitment would help reverse the trend.
“I can see the capacity within the Federal Government and states, with these interventions, Nigeria can change the narrative with remarkable results,” he said.
Participants at the two-day session included representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, NPHCDA, European Union, UNICEF, UNFPA and beneficiary states of Adamawa,Kwara and Sokoto respectively
