UNICEF Completes Upgrade of PHC, Hands Facility to Kano Health Board

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has handed over the renovated and expanded DISO Primary Healthcare Center (PHC) in Gwale Local Government Area of Kano State to the State Primary Healthcare Management Board (SPHCMB).

The intervention is part of efforts to improve health care infrastructure and strengthen access to quality primary health care services in the state.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Shafeeq Ur-Rehman, UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Kano, called on residents and community leaders to own the facility and ensure its proper maintenance.

“The sustainability of this facility is very much dependent on the ownership and commitment of the community,” he said. We urge community leaders and residents to protect this investment and to see that it remains a benefit for both the present and future generations.”

Ur-Rehman also called on the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the facility was adequately staffed with skilled health workers and regularly provided with medicines, vaccines and other essential commodities.

“We need the right health workers, medicines and vaccines available regularly and ongoing surveillance of service delivery, he said. These are critical to ensuring that this investment is translated into improved health outcomes.”

Better community engagement would help save the facility and improve the quality and sustainability of primary healthcare services, the UNICEF official said.

“When government, development partners and communities work together toward a common goal, we can achieve meaningful and lasting improvements in healthcare delivery,” he said.

Ur-Rehman acknowledged the Global Fund’s contribution to strengthening health infrastructure and service delivery, while reiterating UNICEF’s commitment to support Kano State to improve the health and well-being of children, women and families.

The DISO PHC is one of five health facilities that have been renovated under a Global Fund supported program implemented by UNICEF.

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The upgraded facility now has an expanded delivery room, laboratory, consultation room, nurses’ station, male and female wards, and separate male and female toilets that are designed to accommodate persons with disabilities.

The Director of Administration of the Board, Adamu Fate, who spoke on behalf of the Director-General of the SPHCMB, Prof. Salisu Ibrahim, lauded UNICEF for the intervention.

“We are grateful to UNICEF and its partners for this important intervention,” said Fate. “Renovation of DISO PHC will greatly help in improving the quality of primary healthcare services provided to the people.”

Similar interventions across the state would reinforce the healthcare infrastructure and improve service delivery at the grassroots, he said.

Speaking at the event, Ahmed Bello, Ward Head of DISO Ward, assured UNICEF and other partners that the community would ensure that the facility was protected and maintained.

“The community appreciated the intervention and will take ownership of the protection of the facility so that the health center remains functional and continues to deliver quality healthcare services,” Bello said.