Close-out of the GAVI PHC strengthening MoU

All praises are due to Almighty Allah, the Creator, the Nourisher and Sustainer of the universe. I feel honored to be amongst you today on this auspicious occasion of GAVI-PHC MoU Health System Strengthening, the close-out meeting. This partnership has been a transformative initiative in strengthening our healthcare system, improving immunization coverage, and ensuring that no child in Katsina State is left behind in receiving life-saving vaccines and essential healthcare services.

On behalf of the government and good people of Katsina State, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to GAVI, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), UNICEF, WHO, and all our implementing partners for their unwavering support in enhancing our primary healthcare system. Therefore, I feel it a duty to look back and narrate the chronicles of event that signal major achievements recorded through the MoU. This partnership has strengthened routine immunization programs, ensuring vaccines reach our most vulnerable populations, enhanced the capacity of our healthcare workers through training and retraining, expanded access to healthcare through the provision of motorcycles, vehicles, and logistics support, ensuring that hard-to-reach communities receive essential healthcare services. It has also improved the functionality of our Primary Health Care centers, making healthcare more accessible to our citizens. These interventions have equally led to increased immunization coverage and reduced vaccine-preventable diseases among our children.

How do we sustain these gains?

• While today marks the official close-out of the MOU, our commitment to primary healthcare strengthening does not end here. Katsina State Government remains fully dedicated to sustaining and building upon the gains achieved. In this regard, we will:
• Continue investing in primary healthcare infrastructure and human resources.
• Strengthen the implementation of the Primary Health Care Under One Roof (PHCUOR) policy to ensure an integrated and effective healthcare delivery system.
• Prioritize funding for immunization programs and routine healthcare services.
• Enhance collaboration with partners and stakeholders to drive innovative healthcare solutions.

In light of the foregoing, may I use this opportunity to call on GAVI, UNICEF, WHO, and other partners to continue supporting our state in areas of healthcare strengthening, maternal and child health, and disease prevention. Together, we can build a resilient healthcare system that guarantees quality healthcare services for all at all ages in line with the third sustainable development goal agenda.

Let me once again express my sincere appreciation to all those who have contributed to the success of this initiative. Your dedication has saved lives, strengthened our health system, and given hope to millions of families in Katsina State. Thank you most sincerely for your support and commitment to the health and well-being of our people.

God bless Katsina State!

God bless Nigeria!