The governor made the remarks on Wednesday during an inspection visit to the Badarawa Primary Health Center in Kaduna, renovated with funding from the UK government through the Maternal Newborn and Child Health programme, MNCH2, in collaboration with Solar Nigeria programme.

The 29-bed facility is equipped with solar panels to provide 24 hours electricity and comprehensive health services to about 30,000 people living within nine communities in the Badarawa ward of Kaduna North local government.

Conducting the governor around the facility, the matron in charge, Jumai Haruna disclosed that the facility has witnessed increased demand for services since the renovation exercise was completed. She called on the governor to provide security for the solar panels and a borehole for the facility.

“The hospital looks good and the environment has changed. We really appreciate the sponsors,” said Bilikisu Haruna, a patient who receives antenatal care at the health facility.

“Without this collaboration we would not have achieved impact,“ said Tinyan Ogiehoi, project manager with Solar Nigeria. “MNCH2 assisted us with the selection of the sites.” According to him, the solar panels are guaranteed to last for 25 years.

In his remarks, Ben Mellor, Nigeria country head of DFID,  thanked Governor el Rufai for his commitment to improving health outcomes in his state. He disclosed that the Badarawa PHC is one of over 115 facilities supported by DFID. He noted that the facility has witnessed increased turnout and utilization of the services provided.

The Badarawa PHC recorded increased turnout of antenatal care attendance by 7.7 percent, deliveries by 35.5 percent, routine immunisation by 11.9 percent and 25 percent for family planning acceptors within the last three months.

— Apr 7, 2017 @ 7:25 GMT

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