The Bayelsa State government and the United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a 3-year work plan to enhance health and nutrition services in the State.
At an event held on Thursday at the Government House, Yenagoa, UNICEF assured of its steadfastness and support to strengthen the system for a sustainable outcome in child survival, development and protection in Bayelsa State.
The work plan, which covers advancing child protection systems, survival and development, as well as social protection mechanisms, is expected to run from 2025 to 2027.
Speaking shortly after signing the partnership deal, the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, who was represented by his Deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, disclosed that plans were underway to pass the State’s Health Bill into law to address critical challenges affecting healthcare delivery in the State which will also enable the government to meet most requirements of UNICEF.
Ewhrudjakpo also notes that the State government is taking steps to review its nutrition policy, and assured UNICEF of the government’s commitment towards addressing the issues of child protection and nutritional services.
Leader of the delegation and UNICEF Port Harcourt Chief of Field Office, Anslem Audu, noted that the partnership with the Bayelsa State government would strengthen healthcare systems, build resilience and ensure sustainable outcomes in the State.
Among the shop list presented to the deputy Governor by the UNICEF representative, was the request for the State government to allocate one percent of its budget to primary healthcare to ensure quality health services to at least 70% of its population.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
