In a bid to address the shortage of health workers exacerbated by the Boko Haram insurgency in Borno and its surroundings, UNICEF has inaugurated a new health facility at the cost of N260 million. The global agency emphasized that the clinic aims to improve the delivery of quality health services to children and women in the region.
Phuong Nguyen, the Head of UNICEF Maiduguri Office, handed over the newly constructed clinic to the State Government. Nguyen highlighted the impact of the Boko Haram insurgency on healthcare infrastructure, stating that a significant number of health facilities in Northeast Nigeria have been destroyed or rendered non-functional. This, coupled with a shortage of health workers, medical equipment, and essential supplies, has impeded the provision of quality health services to the affected population.
He remarked, ““Today UNICEF is handing over a newly built clinic and essential medical supplies worth over $179,000(#272,000,000) to improve the access to quality health care delivery for children and families affected by armed conflict.
“This is to make sure that we are able to provide support needed to women and children who are affected by the conflicts. This is in line of our Memorandum of Understanding with the Borno State Government to make sure vulnerable children and women will get essential services they deserves.”
In response, Bukar Tijjani, the Secretary to the State Government, expressed gratitude to UNICEF for its timely intervention. He acknowledged that the newly constructed clinic would alleviate the suffering of the affected population in the Hajj camp. The State Government pledged its commitment to collaborate with UNICEF to ensure that vulnerable communities receive the necessary support and services.
The intervention comes as part of UNICEF’s broader efforts to address the healthcare challenges arising from conflicts in the region and underscores the importance of collaborative initiatives to enhance the well-being of children and families affected by armed conflict.
