Rotary International, in partnership with the Gates Foundation has launched a $9million initiative to improve healthcare services, starting in Kebbi State.
The initiative is part of a broader Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge extended into Nigeria in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health.
It will address the specific health needs in Kebbi State and one additional state to be determined at a later stage.
In a statement by Dr. Aloysius Dele Balogun, Rotary Country Committee Lead in Nigeria and member of the Rotary Club Agege, over 2,750 community health workers will be trained and deployed to provide essential diagnosis, treatment, and care for malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea, significantly reducing childhood mortality in these regions.
“Rotary is committed to improving health outcomes by empowering communities. Through this initiative, we are equipping our community healthcare workers with the tools and training necessary to deliver life-saving services right where they are needed the most,” the statement stated.
It added: “Over the next three years, Rotary members, in partnership with PATH, will work closely with government at central and local levels, along with community leaders, to enhance health systems, aiming to reach an estimated 3.5 million people in 700,000 households in the target states.”
The program, the statement further noted ‘will also foster community engagement and raise awareness on the importance of early disease treatment, while improving data collection and management practices for accurate health reporting and informed decision-making. ‘
Speaking further on the initiative, Dr. Obinna Onyekwena, Deputy Director, Infectious Diseases Advocacy at the Gates Foundation said the ‘Gates Foundation is proud to partner with Rotary and PATH on this crucial step towards a healthier future for children in Nigeria.”
The program will focus on malaria, pneumonia, and diarrheal diseases, the program seeks to create sustainable health improvements in Nigeria.
On his part, Dr. Ayebatari Lawson who is the Team Lead for PATH MACEPA in Nigeria said PATH is proud to partner with Gates Foundation in the initiative.