The Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shuaib, has lamented the insincerity of partners in combating pandemics in Nigeria.
He said some partners divert funds meant for health management.
Speaking Tuesday in Abuja at the 39th Expert Review Committee (ERC) on polio and routine immunization, Shuaib said the federal government is determined to end polio in Nigeria and would appreciate the help of development partners in achieving its target.
He said: “The polio eradication programme is a unique example of how nations can contribute to eradication of diseases. COVID-19 outbreak was a good example of how nations can come together to combat pandemic. This wouldn’t have been possible without the outstanding works of our frontline health workers.
“Partners are supposed to support government in fight pandemic. However, I have observed that this is not often the case in Nigeria. In a lot of cases, you will find out that partners have their own agenda. However, some of them will claim they are just there to support the government.
“I don’t want to mention names or organisations, but it is a pathetic situation. There is a lot of money that comes into Nigeria through domestic and partner funding. However, the results are not matching the funding. If you want to work with the government, follow the action plan. The action plan was not developed by government alone. It was developed with the collaboration of donor partners.”
The country representative of UNICEF, Christian Munduate, said United Nations will continue to support Nigeria in the eradication of diseases.