Katsina Governor pledges better healthcare for residents

…as Minister leads high-level delegation

By Kunle Sanni

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure and improving service delivery, particularly in routine immunization and polio eradication efforts.

During a visit by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Governor Radda outlined the state’s progress in primary healthcare development.

The minister led a delegation that included representatives from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation, and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

Nearly 300 Primary Healthcare Centres Completed

Governor Radda highlighted ongoing investments in healthcare, revealing that 158 primary healthcare centres have been completed, with contracts awarded for an additional 102 facilities. The government aims to establish 360 fully functional centres by the end of its tenure.

“Each centre will be equipped with off-grid staff quarters, ambulances, and essential medical equipment,” the governor said.

To ensure 24-hour service delivery, the state is deploying at least three community health workers per facility and implementing a three-shift system. Plans are also underway for residency training programs to address healthcare worker shortages.

Prof. Pate urged the state government to intensify immunization efforts, particularly in tracking progress and ensuring full coverage of eligible children. He emphasized that local government chairmen must play a key role in mobilizing communities.

The minister also raised concerns about high maternal mortality rates, calling for:

• Deployment of skilled birth attendants and community-based health workers
• Improved access to maternal and reproductive health services
• Stronger collaboration on safe motherhood initiatives

Polio Eradication and Ongoing Challenges

Mr. Chris Elias, Chairman of the Polio Oversight Board at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, praised Nigeria’s success in eliminating wild poliovirus since 2016 but warned of the ongoing threat of vaccine-derived polioviruses.

“The fight is not over—we need sustained commitment at all levels to tackle emerging variants,” Elias said.

He emphasized the role of strong political leadership in maintaining progress and reaffirmed the Gates Foundation’s support for Katsina’s health initiatives.

Governor Radda announced plans to establish a state-of-the-art dialysis centre and an advanced imaging facility, aimed at reducing medical travel abroad and positioning Katsina as a hub for medical tourism.

He also acknowledged the support of international partners, including UNICEF, WHO, the Gates Foundation, and the Dangote Foundation, in advancing healthcare services.

Prof. Pate commended Katsina’s efforts in revitalizing healthcare facilities and encouraged the state to leverage federal initiatives, such as Project Hope, to strengthen the Federal Teaching Hospital in Katsina.