The Kwara State Government has entered into a partnership with the Global Fund, through the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), to renovate and upgrade five Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities across the state. The initiative is being funded under the Global Fund COVID-19 Response Mechanism (C19RM) grant.

The collaboration is designed to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and improve access to quality medical services at the grassroots level, with a particular focus on underserved and rural communities.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, disclosed the details of the project while receiving a UNICEF delegation in Ilorin. The statement was issued by the agency's Press Secretary, Bukola Abdulganiyu.

Prof. Elelu emphasised that the intervention is in line with the state's ongoing health reforms, which seek to reposition PHCs as the foundation of a resilient healthcare system.

"Primary Health Care centres serve as the first point of contact in Nigeria's health system, particularly for rural and hard-to-reach communities," she stated.

The revamp is expected to provide these facilities with the necessary infrastructure and resources to better serve the residents of Kwara State, ensuring that basic healthcare remains accessible to all.

She explained that the project would include renovation of main PHC buildings, installation of solar power systems, construction of boreholes to ensure potable water supply, and provision of essential medical equipment based on UNICEF-led gap analysis.

"The project would be implemented smoothly and within the stipulated timeline," Elelu said.

She added that the agency would ensure prompt handover of facilities to contractors, provide security, guarantee access to project sites and closely monitor the quality and pace of work.

She also stressed that community engagement would be prioritised to prevent service disruption during implementation.

"A focal officer would be appointed to coordinate with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, UNICEF and the contractors," she said.

"I want to reiterate the state government's commitment to working with development partners and express appreciation to the Global Fund and UNICEF for their continued collaboration in improving health outcomes in Kwara State."

Earlier, UNICEF representative, Mr Gamaliel Ismaila Dargam, said Kwara remained a priority beneficiary under the C19RM intervention, with five facilities already approved.

He commended the state government's commitment to expanding access to quality health care and assured that UNICEF would fully deliver on its responsibilities.

The approved facilities are the Mobile Health Clinic, Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area; Basic Health Care Centre, Kulende, Ilorin South; Primary Health Care Centre, Ojagboro, Ilorin East; Primary Health Care Centre, Ilofa, Oke Ero; and the Model Primary Health Care Centre, Kpada, Patigi Local Government Area.