The Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) Project in Plateau State convened a high-profile stakeholders’ engagement on Monday, January 27, 2025, at Crispan Hotel, Jos. The meeting brought together executive chairmen of the 17 local government areas (LGAs), traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other critical players in the health sector to strategize on advancing primary healthcare delivery in the state.
Silas Patrick Dung, Executive Chairman of Jos South Local Government, underscored the importance of collaboration and accountability in implementing healthcare projects. He advocated for greater transparency in project execution by granting stakeholders access to Bills of Quantities (BOQs) and contractor information, ensuring effective monitoring and adherence to agreed standards.
“We must know the contractors and access BOQs to monitor these projects effectively. This will guarantee contractors stick to the standards we agreed on,” he stated. Dung also urged the project team to involve local government chairmen in recruiting community health workers and deploying them strategically to underserved areas.
Nurse Ndak Zuhumnan, Plateau State Project Manager for the IMPACT initiative, emphasized the need for grassroots ownership of primary healthcare services. He announced that contracts had been awarded for the upgrade of 82 primary healthcare centers, one in each LGA. The upgrades will include vital amenities such as fencing, motorized boreholes, solar power, and staff quarters.
“The local government authorities must take charge by monitoring these facilities to ensure contractors deliver as agreed. This is key to improving healthcare delivery and reducing maternal and infant mortality rates,” Zuhumnan noted.
Dr. Raymond Juryit, Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Primary Health Care Board, highlighted the shortage of skilled healthcare workers as a critical challenge. He revealed ambitious plans to address the deficit, stating, “By the end of this administration, we aim to employ up to 11,000 health workers to fill the gaps in our facilities.”
Traditional leaders pledged their support, with HRH Rev. Dr. Isaac Wakili of Jos East reiterating the importance of community involvement. “As custodians of the people, we are ready to collaborate to ensure this program succeeds and improves the lives of our people,” he said.
Chief Ephraim Usman, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, applauded Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his dedication to revitalizing the health sector. He acknowledged the governor’s achievements in rehabilitating primary healthcare centers and reducing infant mortality, while commending the synergy between state and local governments in driving the healthcare agenda forward.
The stakeholders agreed to intensify grassroots sensitization efforts and ensure regular engagement between local authorities, traditional leaders, and health officials. These measures aim to sustain the gains of the IMPACT project and foster community-driven healthcare improvements across Plateau State.