By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The European Union (EU) has expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (SARAH) programme in Kwara State.

The EU Country Health Adviser, Dr Anthony Anyeke, made this known in Ilorin during an interview with journalists at the close of a two-day National Steering Committee Meeting on the EU-SARAH programme.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that part of the event included a tour of healthcare facilities such as the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH) and the Primary Healthcare Centre in Alanamu, Ilorin.

Anyeke noted that the health intervention programme was backed by a 40-million-euro budget.

He said the facility tour indicated that the implementing states understood the programme’s objectives and had fully taken ownership.

Also speaking, Dr Fatima Gohar, Health Manager for Health System Strengthening at UNICEF, said the programme focused on supporting mothers and adolescents by improving healthcare delivery.

She noted that the initiative was being implemented in Kwara, Sokoto, and Adamawa States.

“A lot of investment and technical support has gone into the three states, and the impact is significant. We are impressed by the progress recorded in Kwara,” she said.

Gohar added that the visited facilities were functioning effectively and that beneficiaries were satisfied with the services provided.

On her part, Mrs Abigail Msemburi, a representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), said the programme was focused on improving reproductive health for adolescents and young adults.

“We don’t want women dying during childbirth. This initiative ensures the availability of family planning commodities to improve maternal healthcare,” she stated.

Earlier, the Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam, expressed optimism that the EU-SARAH programme would become a permanent part of the state’s health system, thanks to the structures being established by the current administration.

She appreciated the Federal and State Governments, along with development partners, for their contributions to the success of the programme. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru