‘$1m China, UNICEF intervention improving Gombe women, children’s lives’

Beneficiaries of services at the Primary Health Care Centres in some rural communities of Dukkul and Malleri in Kwami local government area of Gombe state have commended the $1million grant from China in collaboration with UNICEF to improve the health of women and children.

The project is aimed at improving the health status of women and children through the revitalisation of the Primary Health Care delivery system by improving the functionality of PHC service delivery health facilities, outreaches and community-based services in 10 wards of the LGs including Dukku and Malleri.

Managers of these facilities in an interview with newsmen said the project has resulted in an increase in the number of persons who visit health facilities in these communities, especially antenatal and children services.

Ruth Musa, the assistant facility manager at the Dukkul Primary Health Centre said before the intervention, they received barely 100 clients in a month, especially women on ANC.

She explained that with the upgrading of facilities and improved services at the centre, they now receive no fewer than 500 women in a month.

According to her, even though work was still ongoing, the intervention has resulted in an impressive outcome in the community.

“We had very serious challenges of water provision, but we now have water in abundance. We have enough drugs especially at the ANC section, that is, routine drugs, testing instruments are now available. It has made the women be interested in coming for ANC and delivery is improving.”

Aisha Mohammed, who brought her child to the facility during our correspondent’s visit, told reporters that the workers were trying. According to her, “There is a great improvement in drugs and services compared to what was obtained in the past.”

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