Niger: BudgIT honours exceptional health workers, community actors
The recognition, according to the Country Director of BudgIT Foundation, Mr Gabriel Okeowo is to applaud the recipients for their resilience in delivering healthcare services under challenging circumstances.
Speaking at the PHC Facility and Workers Award event held in Minna, Okeowo said that BudgIT decided to honour those who stand on the front lines of primary healthcare advocacy because their tireless efforts and unwavering dedication drive meaningful change within their communities.
He said that the award and recognition aspire to cultivate a culture of service and community advocacy among all stakeholders while fostering a collective responsibility towards advancing primary healthcare delivery.
The Country Director appreciated the Niger state government for collaborating on the project and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for their pivotal role in catalyzing transformative change within Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.
The Strengthening Health System (SHS) Team Lead/Abuja head, Dr Biobele Davidson applauded the health workers for remaining committed especially the health workers in the hard-to-reach communities.
“We have seen a lot of japa syndrome, while it takes a lot of courage to leave, it takes more courage to stay back and do your best. Most times, health workers are blamed for not doing the right thing but what about those who are making the sacrifice, especially in the hard-to-reach areas?
“Despite the conditions of these places, health workers are usually seen working diligently. It takes a lot of courage for some of these health workers to be in these facilities. That is why we are appreciating them today.”
Biobele called on the government to be open to accountability stressing that, “Accountability is not witchhunting, accountability is saying, how can we come together to look at what is existing and cause a change.”
She called for more attention on the primary healthcare centres across the state pointing out that PHC is the bedrock of the existence of any structure of the foundation of the health system.
The Team lead stated that certain measurable criteria were used to select the winners while urging others to emulate those who won so that they can showcase positive behavioural change in the health system.
The Niger State Commissioner for Primary Health, Dr Ibrahim Dangana appreciated BudgIT for the initiative saying that there are a lot of people working in the health sector in the rural areas that need to be recognized and appreciated.
The Commissioner who was represented by the Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics, dr Inuwa Jinaidu said that the state also awards its staff for their hard work. Still, the BudgIT format is more comprehensive as the state will emulate the criteria that have been used in selecting the awardees.
ASHENEWS reports that the awardees include Tundun Fulani City Gate PHC awarded as the Best Performing PHC Facility in the Primary Accountability Portal as the facility was said to have demonstrated consistent reporting with the highest number, compliance with data entry and implementation of best practices.
PHCC Kpakungu was awarded the Best Performing PHC Facility in Service Delivery as the facility has the highest patient Record with recorded efficient in-service delivery innovative in providing services.
Mrs Kaka Adamu of Kodo PHC was awarded the Best PHC Health Worker award as a result of her dedication to work, punctuality, efficiency at service delivery and attitude to work.
Suleiman Salihu of City Gate PHCC Tundun Fulani was awarded the best facility Volunteer/Health Champion due to his dedication and regular visits to the Facility to assist and mobilize religious leaders, youth, women, the Vigilante group and the district heads to support the PHCC.
Alhaji Muhammed Kathun Kodo got the PHC Best Performing Community Champion award for demonstrating a high level of commitment to champion the actualization of better PHC in Kodo community.
Habiba Ibrahim of MCH lapai was awarded the gender inclusion at the PHC PWD’s Champion for supporting the facility to engage all PWDs in the community and ensuring the inclusion of PWDs at all meetings and engagements.
The Niger State Commissioner of Primary Health, Dr Ibrahim Dangana was given the outstanding leadership award while five other staff of the Ministry received letters of appreciation.
The Initiative for Social Development in Africa (ISODAF) was recognised as the outstanding Performing Community-Based Organization (CBOs) in Niger state.
