With support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Borno State government in Northeast Nigeria has unveiled a cutting-edge Primary Healthcare Clinic aimed at providing specialised care for children and individuals impacted by armed conflict.
The new healthcare centre is located within the Hajj Camp, a facility within Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state. The facility provides temporary shelter for surrendered insurgents and their families as they emerge from their jungle hideouts to accept the government’s amnesty programme.
As the population of surrendered terrorists grew over time, the Hajj Transit Camp encountered significant challenges in managing outbreaks of measles and cholera, particularly impacting vulnerable women and children.
Speaking at an elaborate ceremony in Maiduguri, Phuong Nguyen, the Chief of the Borno Field Office for UNICEF, described the inauguration of the new Clinic at the Transit camp as a beacon of hope for improved healthcare access for those impacted by armed conflict.
“This newly constructed facility, along with essential medical supplies valued at over $179,000, generously supported by the German Development Bank, underscores UNICEF’s commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery for children and families in need,” she said.
She further emphasised UNICEF’s collaboration with the Borno State Government, stating, “Our aim is to complement the state’s initiatives in the health sector, bridging gaps to ensure that the most marginalised children and women receive the care they deserve, enabling them to thrive and realise their full potential.”
Looking back at 2023, she mentioned that UNICEF, in collaboration with the Borno State Primary Health Care Development Board, assisted in vaccinating more than 27,000 children with the measles vaccine and over 4,083 zero-dose children with the pentavalent vaccine at the Hajj Transit Camp.
The newly donated facility comes equipped with essential medical tools and furniture, such as delivery beds, baby dressing tables, bed screens, stretchers, bedside trolleys, examination tables, and oxygen concentrators, among other items. Additionally, it features a solar power supply to ensure round-the-clock service availability.
Upon receiving the clinic on behalf of Governor Babagana Zulum, the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijjani, expressed gratitude to the global agency and assured that the facility would be effectively utilised for its intended purpose.
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