The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has approved a $4.49 million grant aimed at bolstering healthcare interventions in Adamawa state. This initiative will expedite the rehabilitation of nine primary healthcare facilities across eight local government areas in the state.
Laurent De Boeck, Chief of Mission at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), disclosed this development during the project inauguration at the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola on Wednesday. De Boeck emphasized that approximately 150,000 residents will benefit from the upgraded facilities, with 80 persons with disabilities set to receive specialized assistance. Additionally, 1,350 beneficiaries will participate in cash-for-work initiatives.
The project also includes capacity building for 216 healthcare professionals across the LGAs of Maiha, Michika, Song, Mubi-North, Mubi-South, Hong, Larnurde, and Gombi. De Boeck underscored the importance of fostering peaceful coexistence and inclusivity in conflict-affected regions, highlighting the crucial role of healthcare access in these environments. “Encouraging the return and resettlement of IDPs along with ensuring access to quality healthcare is a vital part of this effort. The support is also aimed at strengthening the capacities of governments in the six conflict-affected states in the North-East,” he said.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, represented by his deputy, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, highlighted the project’s alignment with the government’s strategy to phase out Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across the state. He reiterated the project’s broader aim of addressing health-related challenges among displaced persons, returnees, and host communities.
Furthermore, Governor Fintiri pledged to leverage Japanese expertise to propel Adamawa state into a 21st-century economy, emphasizing the integration of ICT in education, digital health technologies, and entrepreneurship development. He also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to exploring collaborations with development partners to meet the healthcare and other needs of its populace.
