Plan International Winds-Up Multi-Million Dollar BORN Project in Bauchi

Plan International Nigeria has rounded up Bauchi Opportunities for Responsive Neonatal Health, BORN project, a multi-million dollar 5-year health project implemented in 10 local government areas of the state.

Country Director Plan International Nigeria, Mr Charles Usie disclosed this on Wednesday at the closeout workshop of BORN Project held at Hazibal Hotel Bauchi.

Mr Usie said the BORN project was implemented in the local government areas of Bauchi, Dass, Toro, Kirfi, Misau, Ningi, Darazo, Katagum, Jama’are and Gamawa between February 2016 to June 2020.

He explained that the Bauchi Opportunities for Responsive Neonatal and Maternal Health (BORN) Project funded by Global Affairs Canada was to contribute to the reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality in targeted areas among the most marginalized and vulnerable women and newborns.

“We have come here to close our Born Project and we are closing the project because we are not a Government, it is only Government that has the responsibility to continue to implement the project of this nature. It is the responsibility of the Government to ensure that healthcare services are provided to citizens as no NGO can take over that responsibility.

“I am happy to say that Bauchi State is one of the few states that have demonstrated commitment to healthcare provision to its people and therefore Plan International Nigeria has already focused on areas that can make an impact on the lives of citizens and will continue to support the Government to close gaps in critical sectors of human survival.”

The country director assured that Plan International Nigeria will not relent in making investment in the healthcare system of Bauchi state in a bid to assist the state to close gaps in healthcare delivery.

Mr Charles Usie said in addition to investment in the healthcare system, Plan International would invest in other critical sectors of the economy for the benefit of the citizens of the state.

On his part, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Health, Dr Sama’ila Dahuwa, represented by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Ali Babayo said the state government has fulfilled the agreement for the implementation of the Born project in the selected areas.

Sama’ila Dahuwa acknowledged that the project has made a positive impact on the lives of the beneficiaries in addition to improving the conditions of healthcare facilities.

“I want to congratulate the Global Affairs Canada through Plan International Nigeria for the successful implementation of Born Project in Bauchi State and we must appreciate His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Bauchi state, Sen. Bala Mohammed for making an adequate budgetary allocation to the health sector and in particular, the prompt release of counterpart funding for development partners.”