IBP, FOMWAN, Health Authorities Sensitise Stakeholders on SPARK 2 Health Programme

By Awwal Umar Kontagora The International Budget Partnership (IBP) and the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) hav...

By Awwal Umar Kontagora

The International Budget Partnership (IBP) and the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) have organized a one-day stakeholders’ meeting to discuss ways of improving primary healthcare delivery under the SPARK 2 programme in Niger State.

The event took place on Wednesday at the Dogon-Koli Conference Hall in Minna and focused on ensuring that local communities benefit from government initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare at the Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).

Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim Lemu, State Director of the SPARK 2 Programme under FOMWAN, explained that the initiative is designed to monitor how funds are spent on upgrading and improving primary healthcare facilities across the state.

“We brought all relevant parties to the round table to discuss ways to ensure that funds released for the programme are not diverted. This will provide the necessary resources for PHCs and ensure that activities are carried out according to plan,” she said.

Hajiya Lemu noted that the federal government contributes one percent of its revenue while the state government contributes five percent to support the programme. She also highlighted collaboration with the Niger State Contributory Health Agency and the Niger State Primary Healthcare Development Agency to strengthen the state’s healthcare system.

“In the past, there were very few primary healthcare facilities. Today, the government has strengthened PHCs close to communities. What is needed now is equipment, trained staff, electricity, and clean water to reduce congestion at general hospitals,” she said.

Alhaji Attahiru Ahmed, Auditor-General of Niger State, emphasized the importance of awareness and collaboration among government agencies implementing SPARK 2.

“The role of government is to ensure proper management of the health sector, particularly primary healthcare, so that communities benefit fully from the state’s plan to improve healthcare,” he said.

Pharmacist Attahiru Shehu Malagi, Director of Operations at NICARE, underscored the importance of accountability in the programme.

“This meeting ensures that activities are carried out transparently. The funds allocated by the government are meant to improve PHCs so that communities can benefit from a well-functioning health system,” he said.

The meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges, share solutions, and plan effective implementation. Presentations on the programme were well received, with participants expressing satisfaction over the clarity of roles and responsibilities to ensure the SPARK 2 programme meets its objectives.