The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Federal Capital Territory Administration have signed a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in support of the revitalization of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) health care system to deliver quality, affordable, and sustainable preventive and primary health care services.
A statement on Friday from USAID in Abuja, explained that with the MOU a formal collaboration has been be established and commitments to delineating shared objectives, such as clear governance and technical roles and responsibilities, as well as mutual accountability through joint periodic reviews of progress using a predetermined set of indicators, milestones, and targets have been set.
USAID Nigeria’s Mission Director, Anne Patterson was quoted in the statement to have said: “USAID is happy to solidify our support to FCT’s health systems strengthening goals”.
She added that: “The FCT administration’s desire and commitment to reach these goals has spurred USAID’s interest in this partnership. I know that the integrated approach adopted by the territory will go a long way to advance its journey to self-reliance.”
The statement said: “USAID expects to apply best practices and provide high-level technical expertise to help the FCT meet its health improvement goals and operationalize their health plans and reform strategies. As part of this effort, USAID plans to commit $45 million over five years for FCT through four existing health activities – the Integrated Health Program, Breakthrough Action, Health Workforce Management, and the Global Health Supply Chain – Procurement and Supply Management.”
The FCT Administration has committed to improving financing and management of resources, including staff, with all elements needed to run a strong Primary Health Care program. The initial focus is to overcome governance and budgetary limitations and then focus on supply and demand side barriers to Primary Health Care service delivery; particularly on improving quality of care and strengthening the health system.
The Acting Secretary for Health and Human Services Secretariat in FCT, Dr. Mohammed Kawu, said: “I am very happy about the signing of this MOU,” noting that: “USAID has been very supportive of the FCT in so many projects. Signing this MOU will be a great help to us in delivering primary care health services, especially as we struggle with the COVID-19 crisis.”
During the five-year implementation of the MOU, the FCT Administration is expected to contribute to cost-effective interventions related to the partnership that can be sustained beyond the life of the agreement.
The Daily Tracker is the home of factual, informative and developmental journalism. We go beyond the regular to keep our readers well informed at all times. Our focus is on the people, institutions, the society and ideas. We aspire to provoke and inspire. Welcome to our World
Comments are closed.