The Borno State Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Professor Baba Malam Gana, has urged stakeholders in the North-East states to ensure prudent implementation and comprehensive reporting of the Global-sponsored North East States Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP) project.

The project, worth $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 need for transparency, accountability, and innovation in the financial support system.

“There is need for transparency, accountably, 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 prevalence and life expectancy in Nigeria stood at 54 years,” Prof. Gana said.

He highlighted Borno state’s achievements in the health sector, including building schools of midwifery, sponsoring indigenes to study medicine abroad, and training medical personnel.

The Commissioner also called for increased state budgetary allocation from 10% to 15% and timely passage of the annual budget in line with the state-wide strategic plan.

He noted that poverty levels in Borno state and the North-East zone are high, with 30% PHC services delivery requiring primary health care to link up with secondary and tertiary centers.

The Coordinator , SWAP Coordination Office, Borno State, Dr. Muntaqa Umar Sadiq in his opening address said SWAP was based on blueprint drafted and agreed upon by the states stakeholders across the country with each state having a coordinating office and coordinator.

According to him, the SWAP project, grounded in all commitments in the compact, has a coordinating office in each state, and the Minister’s Office will harmonize all reports submitted. The project has 13 priorities or initiatives, later adjusted to 21 areas of engagement, and states are expected to carry out periodic reports to the zones and national headquarters.

UNICEF Health Manager, Clement Adams, pledged UNICEF’s support throughout the process, providing technical and financial assistance.

He encouraged all to participate attentively and contribute during discussions, ensuring the best health services for the people.

“We are also pledging our support technically and financially through out 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.

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