Borno Government Tasks North-East Stakeholders on Proper Implementation of $40bn SWAP Project
The Borno State Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Professor Baba Malam Gana, has called on stakeholders in the North-East states to ensure the prudent implementation and comprehensive reporting of the Global-sponsored North East States Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP) project. This project, valued at $40 billion for Nigeria and $2 billion for each state, aims to strengthen the health system and improve health outcomes.
Speaking at a one-day workshop in Maiduguri on Friday, Prof. Gana emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and innovation in the financial support system. “There is need for transparency, accountability, innovative ess in the financial support system, improved PHC services indexes such as Malaria death which is now at 20% in the state while 2 million cases of HIV are prevalent and life expectancy in Nigeria stood at 54 years,” Prof. Gana said.
He highlighted several achievements in Borno’s health sector, including the construction of schools of midwifery, sponsoring indigenes to study medicine abroad, and training medical personnel. The Commissioner also called for an increase in the state’s budgetary allocation from 10% to 15% and timely passage of the annual budget in line with the state-wide strategic plan.
Prof. Gana noted the high poverty levels in Borno and the North-East zone, with 30% of PHC service delivery needing to connect with secondary and tertiary centers. The Coordinator of the SWAP Coordination Office, Borno State, Dr. Muntaqa Umar Sadiq, explained that the SWAP project is based on a blueprint agreed upon by state stakeholders across the country, with each state having a coordinating office.
UNICEF Health Manager Clement Adams pledged UNICEF’s support throughout the process, providing technical and financial assistance. He encouraged active participation and contribution during discussions to ensure the best health services for the people. “We are also pledging our support technically and financially throughout the process. We are encouraging all to participate attentively and contribute during discussions. We are further encouraging all to leave from each other and ensure we provide the best health services to our people. Together we can achieve better count on UNICEF support,” Clement said.
