Delta Govt assures greater collaboration as UNFPA donates work tools to state

By Nosa Akenzua

As part of efforts to control population growth and improve the family health of its citizens, the Delta State Government has pledged to partner more with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme made this known on Friday in his office when he received in audience the Head of Office/Programme Coordinator, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Cross River Sub-office and Programme Specialist, Reproductive Health, UNFPA, Dr. Yakubu Aliyu.

Dr. Onojaeme said the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is always ready to support any initiative that would lead to the improvement of the lives of Deltans and residents alike.

“As a state, we will partner with you (UNFPA) to ensure the common goal which is improving the health indices in the State,” the Commissioner stated.

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He said as part of measures to show commitment in the partnership, he assured that the government would increase its budgetary allocation for family planning and reproductive health in next year’s budget and used the medium to urge UNFPA to expand its support to the State.

Earlier, the Head of Office/Programme Coordinator, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Cross River Sub-office, Dr. Andrew Kirima commended the State Government for its efforts that have led to more residents getting access to health services, and the State’s commitment in expanding access to sexual reproductive health services mainly Family Planning through the release of the sum of N40m for the procurement of Family Planning commodities for the State.

“We have received the money, and the requested Family Planning commodities have been procured; some have already been shipped to Nigeria while others are currently being shipped. Those commodities that have arrived in the country have been cleared in Lagos while only male condoms are awaiting clearance from the customs,” Dr. Kirima revealed.

“Although this is commendable, we advocate for more allocation because the N40m which was committed for the purchase of the commodities has not fully satisfied the demands that are on ground; so, we believe that through your office we can have more funding for the procurement of these commodities.”

He urged the State to make efforts to ensure it sustains grounds covered because of the observed dwindling dollar funding, especially in areas that relate to the provision of family planning in Nigeria, mainly after the COVID-19 pandemic

Highlight of the visit was the presentation to the Commissioner, two laptops, and a printer to the State to support the full utilization of the electronic warehouse logistic management system.

“We understand that the State has been enrolled to the End Supply System. This is a software that is utilized by the Logistics Team mainly at the warehouse to monitor the supply, do forecasting and distribution of medical commodities. However, they might not be able to fully utilize the system without a hardware, hence the support with this equipment,” Dr. Kirima disclosed.