Primary Healthcare Centres Receive Medical Equipment, Motorcycles Under IMPACT Project

 

 The Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency has distributed medical equipment and motorcycles to Local Government Areas across the state to strengthen healthcare service delivery at the grassroots.

The distribution took place during a flag-off ceremony under the IMPACT Project, held at the TACA Complex, State Secretariat, Jalingo.

Speaking at the event, the IMPACT Programme Manager, Dr. Urbanus Ezekiel, highlighted major achievements of the project in Taraba State. These include the digitization of the National Health Management Information System (NHMIS) reporting across 168 primary healthcare centres, the recruitment and training of 168 medical records officers for facility-level data entry, and the procurement of essential medical equipment and furniture.

Dr. Ezekiel explained that the World Bank–supported IMPACT Project is designed to strengthen Nigeria's primary healthcare system through improved service delivery, efficient data management, and enhanced community engagement. He thanked Governor Agbu Kefas for approving the implementation of the project in Taraba State and for providing an enabling environment for its success

He noted that since full implementation commenced in January 2025, the project has recorded remarkable progress. According to him, 113 primary healthcare centres are currently undergoing revitalization and upgrades, with about 65 per cent of the work completed, while others are ongoing.

Dr. Ezekiel added that the project has also engaged ad-hoc healthcare workers, including midwives, community health extension workers, and pharmacy technicians, leading to improvements in data accuracy, routine immunization coverage, and overall health system performance in the state. He further acknowledged the World Bank for funding and technical support.

Also speaking, the Senior Health Specialist and Task Team Lead for the IMPACT Project at the World Bank Nigeria Office, Abuja, Dr. Onoriode Ezire, commended the Taraba State Government for prioritizing primary healthcare delivery. He stressed that strengthening local government capacity is critical, noting that primary healthcare falls under the responsibility of local authorities.

"With these motorcycles and equipment, service delivery in Taraba State will significantly improve," Dr. Ezire said, urging local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and community members to safeguard the items and make effective use of upgraded primary healthcare centres.

Earlier, while welcoming participants, the Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Tukura Nuhu Nyigwa, praised the state government and key stakeholders for their collaborative efforts in providing vital healthcare facilities to communities across the state.

The Taraba State IMPACT Project Coordinator, Mr. Peter Adamu, said the motorcycles would enable Monitoring and Evaluation officers to conduct effective monthly supervision of primary healthcare centres. He expressed satisfaction that the project is not only providing equipment but also strengthening maternal and child healthcare services through the engagement of qualified health workers.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Taraba State Chapter, and Chairman of Kurmi Local Government Area, Hon. Moses Maihankali, described the IMPACT Project as transformative, noting that it has significantly improved medical facilities across the 16 local government areas.

"On behalf of my colleagues, we assure you of our maximum support to ensure the success of this programme," he said.

The handing-over ceremony was later performed by the Taraba State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bordiya Buma, who called for the judicious use of the equipment and motorcycles, reiterating the state government's commitment to improving basic healthcare services in Taraba State.