Girls’ and children’s rights non-governmental organisations and Plan International Nigeria have announced the donation of hospital equipment and supplies worth about N400 million to the Bauchi State Government through the Aspire project, funded by Global Affairs Canada.
Plan International Nigeria had previously supported and strengthened healthcare systems across Sokoto State and Bauchi with equipment and supplies worth an estimated N1 billion.
The latest gesture, which further demonstrates Plan Nigeria’s commitment to improving healthcare systems in the state, is also in addition to the construction and rehabilitation of eight healthcare facilities in Bauchi.
The donation was formally handed over to the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency during an official ceremony on Thursday.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Director, Programme Quality and Influencing of Plan International Nigeria, Dr. Helen Idiong, said the support was “part of the implementation of Plan International Nigeria’s 5-year Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (Aspire) project, funded by Global Affairs Canada towards advancing women and girls’ health, rights, and equality.”
Idiong, who represented the Country Director of Plan International Nigeria, Charles Usie, expressed gratitude to Global Affairs Canada for their consistent support, describing the gesture as a significant milestone towards enhancing healthcare systems in the state.
The country director also applauded the Bauchi State Government for the continued collaboration and support, while calling on the development of implementation and enforcement policies that promote accountability, gender equality, and access to healthcare for all.
“As Plan International Nigeria, we are committed to supporting you to ensure healthcare systems in Bauchi state, as well as the agency for girls and young women, are continually improved,” he said.
The donated equipment included hospital beds, examination and delivery couches, cupboards, metal pedal bins, and automatic fetoscopes. Others are instrument trollies, manual and electrical vacuums, sphygmomanometers, sanitary pads, and hospital consumables, which will be distributed to 36 public healthcare facilities in Bauchi.
In his speech, the Executive Director for Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, described the gesture as a transformational milestone in the collective journey to improve healthcare delivery in the state.
He also lauded Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and Plan International Nigeria for their invaluable support, emphasising the positive impact this intervention will have on the lives of Bauchi residents.
Mohammed also reiterated the state government’s commitment to quality and accessible healthcare in the state.
“This initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening our healthcare system. The support we have received today will go a long way in improving the quality and accessibility of healthcare services across the state,” he said.
The event also marked the conclusion of phase 1 of the structural renovation of healthcare facilities in Dass, Ningi, Darazo, Bauchi, Misan, Katagum, Gamawa, and Jama’are Local Government Areas of the state.
