An NGO organises Private Sector Engagement Meeting in Yola

By Jessica John Bakari

The maigodiya center for youth development budget alert clusters has held a private sector engagement meeting with thirteen Private sectors in Adamawa with a call on them to leverage their expertise, resources and innovation to enhance the health sector.

The private sector engagement which took place at Duragi hotel was organized by health budget alert clusters led by maigodiya center for youth development with support from strengthening civil advocacy and local engagement SCALE.

Giving the overview of the partnership of the promotion of maternal and child health project,Aminu Usman programme manager of maigodiya center for youth development said the budget alert clusters comprises of nine civil societies and professional bodies in Adamawa and taraba states.

He explained that the major goals of the budget alert clusters is to contribute to the reduction of maternal and child mortality in both states.

Aminu Usman enumerated four main objectives of the project to include increase budget allocation to the health sector to at least fifteen percent of the total state budget,there should be eighty percent budget performance.

Others are, institutionalisation of death surveillance and response, institutionalisation of essential life saving commodities in all health facility in both state.

The programme manager added that the essence of the private sector engagement is for them to support and contribute back to the society they are operating particularly in the health sector.

Earlier in his welcome address the Chairman of Nigeria union of Journalist State chapter, Comrade Ishaka Donald Dedan appreciate maigodiya center for youth development for their initiative and partnership with the union in area of health care.

He reiterates continues commitment of Nigeria union of Journalists in advocating and engaging with various stakeholders for the increase in budget allocation in the health sector in the state.

After extensive deliberation a communique was drafted by the private sector and civil societies organizations where they all resolved to partner and carry out series of projects to include carrying out medical outreach to sensitive community of Yola north local Government.

Others are advocacy on the need for pregnant mother’s to attend antenatal care at all times,as well as advocate full implementation of free medical care for infants inline with the directives of Adamawa State Governor among others.

Highlights of the event was presentations by the vice president North East of Nigeria union of Journalist Mr Zare Baba,Mr Tuwanga Peter from jana foundation,Fatima Belel from FABEL foundation and Hauwa Kumshe where they reaffirmed support towards achieving the set objectives of the health budget alert clusters.