By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Kwara Government, in collaboration with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has trained stakeholders from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the state on health financing.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training lasted three days under the European Union- Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (EU-SARAH) project.
NAN also reports that the EU-SARAH project aims to strengthen capacity on health financing systems and operational guidelines.
Speaking at the event, the Kwara Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam, said the capacity-building workshop was designed to “train, refresh and update” stakeholders on financing guidelines.
El-Imam said emphasis was placed on Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) management at facility level.
She said the training aligns stakeholders with Federal Ministry of Health expectations for BHCPF implementation.
El-Imam urged participants to cascade knowledge and ensure proper implementation across all levels.
Also speaking, Dr Oluwatosin Kolade, from UNFPA, said the training strengthened understanding of health systems and financing roles.
Kolade, a Sexual Reproductive Health System Specialist, UNFPA Country Office in Nigeria, urged the implementation and approach around the BHCPF programme.
He disclosed that there has been a revision of the operational guidelines.
NAN reports that stakeholders, including Hajia Rihanat Sulaiman, Chairperson of Heads of Departments of Local Governments praised the initiative, citing funding challenges and workforce migration concerns.
Participants at the event included BHCPF steering committee members, health ministry officials and NHIA representatives.
Others were from the Primary Health Care Development Agency and Association of Local Governments of Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi
