The United Nation Children Fund (UNICEF) and the Plateau State Government, has put mechanism in motion to intensify the revitalisation of primary healthcare centers (PHCs) to mitigate mother to child infant mortality rate in the state.

The revitalisation initiative of the PHC facility aims to provide affordable and quality healthcare services as Mangu and Mikang local governments will be a beneficiary of the pilot project.

Speaking during the official signing of the project, held at the Plateau State Primary Healthcare Management Board on Tuesday, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, UNICEF Nigeria, Chief of Bauchi Field Office, confirmed they are going to support Plateau State to have a stronger PHC health system. 

"One of the activities is to rehabilitate some of the PHCs that really need work so that mothers and children can benefit.
"There are two PHCs. In Mangu, there is one PHC with a large block that we are going to rehabilitate, and in the other PHC, there are two blocks that will be rehabilitated. In addition to these two, in the second phase, there will be four more PHCs that will be rehabilitated in Plateau.

"That is our support, but the leadership remains in the hands of the state government, as always. You are the leads, the monitors, and the supporters, and you will take care of these facilities. I am sure that once they are rehabilitated, their maintenance, operationalisation, and the benefits to mothers and children will be ensured by the state government", she stated.

Shedding more lights on the project, UNICEF building expert, Sepal Jamil Sadeef, acknowledged they have more than one building. We have two buildings, either both being used as a PSC or, in some instances, one being used for immunisation or as a ward for the PSC facility.

She further explained they would ensure  there will be a sustainable water supply. "In some locations, we are drilling boreholes. We are solarising the boreholes, as well as the water tanks. If the existing structure is not in good condition, we will construct a new tower, including the water pump and the water tank.
"Another aspect of our support will be the solarisation of the PSC. This will be 7.5 kilowatts, which we believe is sufficient for initial equipment and other needs required to operate the PSC. The solar system will not be limited to just the panels and connections; we will also install lithium batteries to ensure sustainable energy, not only during the day but also at night."

The Executive Secretary of Plateau State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Raymond Jurit, represented by Mr. Michael Lamu said the revitalisation of Plateau PHC is a testament to what purposeful leadership and dedication to service can achieve. 

"This transformation is modern and infrastructural. It is about saving lives, restoring hope, and fostering trust in the public health system. It is also about ensuring that every child, mother, and elderly person, regardless of location, has a fair chance at a healthier life."

While appreciating UNICEF continue support and partnership, he opines that the impact of these efforts will undoubtedly echo for generations, solidifying the legacy of a healthier, stronger, and more resilient state.

The project contractor, Samuel Uchegwu, assured to deliver quality work within three months timeframe in tandem with the contract agreement.