The Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) Project has reaffirmed its dedication to drastically reducing infant and maternal mortality rates in Plateau State. Speaking on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, during a visit by Dr. Ndiamé Diop, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Project Manager Nrs. Ndak Zuhunnan emphasized the project’s goal of fostering a healthier and more productive population in the state.
In a detailed presentation, Nrs. Ndak highlighted the significant challenges Plateau State faced before the project’s implementation, including low antenatal care attendance, limited skilled birth services, and inadequate immunization coverage. The project aims to cut under-five mortality rates from 132 to 79 per 1,000 births by 2030 while improving access to quality immunization and malaria services.
Key Achievements of the IMPACT Project
The Project Manager noted several milestones, including:
• Training healthcare workers across all 17 Local Government Areas.
• Engaging stakeholders for better health outcomes.
• Renovating delivery rooms to improve maternal care.
• Providing laptops for digital reporting and motorcycles for vaccine delivery and emergency response.
• Conducting supportive supervision and mentorship in 207 healthcare facilities.
• Awarding contracts for the renovation of 82 Primary Health Care facilities across the state.
He attributed these successes to the steadfast support of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, commending the Governor for prioritizing healthcare and ensuring counterpart funding for the project.
Governor Mutfwang Reaffirms Commitment to Development
In his remarks, Governor Caleb Mutfwang welcomed the World Bank delegation, underscoring his administration’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships for sustainable development. He acknowledged Dr. Diop’s dedication to Africa’s growth and assured the World Bank of the state’s readiness to collaborate on impactful initiatives.
Governor Mutfwang expressed regret over the state’s previous underutilization of World Bank opportunities due to poor leadership but pledged to maximize available resources under his administration. He stated:
“We are re-energizing our focus on delivering projects that offer real value to the people of Plateau State, lifting them out of poverty and driving prosperity.”
World Bank Pledges Sustained Support
Dr. Ndiamé Diop praised Governor Mutfwang’s leadership and affirmed the World Bank’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Plateau State. He highlighted the state’s potential to expand the World Bank’s project portfolio and improve support strategies.
The World Bank team commended the Governor for assembling a competent project management team and stressed the importance of adhering to global standards in project execution. They pledged continued interventions to ensure impactful outcomes.
Featured World Bank-Supported Projects
The event also showcased progress on several World Bank-supported initiatives in Plateau State, including:
• Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH)
• Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE)
• Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES)
• Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP)
• Social Engagement for Budgetary Accountability (SEBA)
• Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL)
The collaboration between Plateau State and the World Bank continues to align with the Sustainable Development Goals, driving impactful interventions that promise lasting benefits for the people of the state.