HEALTH: We are Committed to Pay Counterpart Funds, Gov. Bala Assured UNICEF

By Adamu IMAM Bauchi

HEALTH: We are Committed to Pay Counterpart Funds, Gov. Bala Assured UNICEF

By Adamu IMAM Bauchi

Bauchi state governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has reiterate his administration determination to address health challenges throughout the state with the prompt release and payment of counterpart funds without further delay

The governor made this revelation while speaking with the officials of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) during a courtesy visit held at the government house Bauchi on Monday

While acknowledging UNICEF contributions and support in improving  the activities of the health sector in the state, Governor Bala re-emphasized that "the state government under my leadership has been remain faithful to the Abuja declaration by allocating 15% and above of the total state annual budget to the health sector"

"I also wish to reiterate my commitment to fulfill all governments obligations and payment of counterpart funds including primary health memorandum of understanding (MoU) contribution and non MoU counterparts, the nutrition fund we are eager, we are waiting, I assure you we are going to give the counterpart immediately so that we would be able to provide the resources"

The governor maintained that, the recent emergence of Bauchi as the second most improve state in the northeast and by extension Nigeria as a whole under the primary health challenge with the award of $400,000 four hundred thousand dollars underscores my commitment transforming the health of the good people of Bauchi state 

We are very greatful Mr. Tursha I assured you we are going to commit that resources for the purpose of what is being given 

He thanked the UNICEF for identifying with celebrities to champion the course of health issues some of the public image especially Mrs Hensho and Ali Nuhu from the film industry to be our champions because their voice is resonating reaching everywhere, 

"their faces bring glory and happiness to our people that's why I take very good exceptions and appreciate the way and manner Keith come from Lagos to go to Dass and talk to our mothers the important of these global initiatives under UNICEF making sure that immunization covers everybody and everywhere" he conclude

Dr. Tursha Rene UNICEF Bauchi Field Office (BOF) in his remark he dwell on importance of collaboration says "Bauchi is in the forefront of so many initiatives, which is open review with all foundations we have Aliko Dangote foundation and others colleagues come together and talk together and the only intention how do we excel on various initiatives of the states, and I think the state has an exemplary leader in this regard" he added

Rene while commending the state government's commitment said a lot has been done, and also appreciate other state health partners and introduce some members of his team as well as the UNICEF ambassadors in other to use their influence to encourage mothers and children for immunization in Bauchi state