By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has handed over the renovated Diso Primary Health Care (PHC) facility in Gwale Local Government Area to Kano State Government through the Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board (KSPHCMB).
The keys to the renovated Diso PHC were received by the Director-General of the KSPHCMB, represented by Adamu F. Jigare, Director of Administration and Human Resources.
The Diso PHC handover ceremony was attended by community members, religious leaders and Gwale Local Government Council members.
The Diso PHC was renovated by UNICEF with funding support from Global Fund.
Speaking during the hand over programme, Shafeeq Ur-Rehman, Chief of UNICEF Field Office Kano, on behalf of UNICEF, extended sincere appreciation to the Kano State Government, the State Primary Health Care Management Board, Gwale Local Government Area authorities, community leaders, and all partners whose collaboration made the feat possible.
According to him: “The renovation of this facility was implemented under the Global Fund-supported programme, with UNICEF serving as the implementation partner for the renovation of five primary health care facilities across Kano State. The completion of DISO PHC reflects our shared commitment to ensuring communities have access to safe, functional, and quality health services.
“This facility will provide essential health services for women, children, adolescents, and the wider community. A functional primary health care centre is the foundation of a strong health system and plays a critical role in improving health outcomes and saving lives.”
Shafeeq said UNICEF highly values its partnership with the Kano State Government and the State Primary Health Care Management Board.
He further stated that the project demonstrated the impact that can be achieved when government institutions, development partners, and communities work together toward a common goal.
“We also acknowledge and appreciate the Global Fund for its continued investment in strengthening health infrastructure and service delivery.
“As we formally hand over this facility today, we encourage all stakeholders to ensure its sustainability through proper maintenance of the infrastructure, adequate staffing with skilled health workers, consistent availability of medicines, vaccines, and essential supplies, strengthened community ownership, and continuous monitoring of service quality,” he added.
Shafeeq, insisted that: “The true value of this investment will be measured not by the renovated building alone, but by the number of lives improved and saved through the care provided within these walls. We therefore call on community leaders and residents to take ownership of this facility, protect it, and support its effective use.
“Sustained community engagement will be vital to preserving the benefits of this investment for future generations.
” Today marks not the end of a project, but the beginning of renewed opportunities for improved health care delivery in the community and beyond.
“UNICEF remains committed to supporting Kano State in strengthening primary health care systems and advancing the health and well-being of every child, every woman, and every family.
“It is therefore with great pleasure that I formally hand over the renovated DISO Primary Health Care Centre to the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board for full utilization and management.”
