Kwara Partners UNICEF, Global Fund to Upgrade Five Health Centres

The Kwara State Government has teamed up with the Global Fund, through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), to revamp five Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities across the state under the COVID-19 Response Mechanism (C19RM) Grant.

The partnership is aimed at strengthening primary health care delivery and improving access to quality health services, particularly for underserved and rural communities.

Speaking on Tuesday, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KWSPHCDA), Prof. Nusirat Elelu, said the initiative is part of the state government’s ongoing reforms to position PHCs as the backbone of an effective and resilient health system.

“Primary Health Care centres are the first point of contact for health services in Nigeria, especially in hard-to-reach areas. The revitalisation project will involve renovating main PHC buildings, installing solar power systems, constructing boreholes for potable water, and supplying essential medical equipment based on UNICEF-led gap analysis,” Elelu said.

She added that the agency would ensure smooth implementation by promptly handing over facilities to contractors, maintaining security, monitoring quality and progress, and preventing disruption of health services during the project.

A focal officer will also be appointed to coordinate activities among the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, UNICEF, and contractors, while community engagement will be prioritised to ensure effective execution.

UNICEF’s representative, Mr. Gamaliel Ismaila Dargam, said Kwara remains a priority state under the C19RM intervention. “We commend the state government for its commitment to quality healthcare. UNICEF will fully deliver on its obligations under this partnership,” he said.

The health facilities approved for revitalisation include: Mobile Health Clinic, Okuta (Baruten LGA); Basic Health Care Centre, Kulende (Ilorin South LGA); Primary Health Care Centre, Ojagboro (Ilorin East LGA); Primary Health Care Centre, Ilofa (Oke Ero LGA); and Model Primary Health Care Centre, Kpada (Patigi LGA).

Prof. Elelu expressed appreciation to the Global Fund and UNICEF for their continued collaboration in improving health outcomes in Kwara State.