UNICEF and Taraba Government Award Contract to Revamp 11 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs)

In a significant move to bolster healthcare infrastructure, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Taraba State Government have formally awarded contracts for the comprehensive revamping of 11 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs). This initiative, funded by the Global Fund, targets six Local Government Areas (LGAs) within the state and represents a critical investment in maternal and child health outcomes.

The official handover ceremony in Jalingo on Friday, December 18, 2025, marks a pivotal step in a collaborative partnership aimed at strengthening the foundational tier of Nigeria’s healthcare system. Primary Healthcare Centres are the first point of contact for most Nigerians, especially in rural areas, and their functionality is directly linked to reducing preventable deaths.

Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, framed the project not merely as a construction exercise but as a direct intervention to save lives. “This is more than just construction work,” she stated. “It means saving the lives of mothers and children, and all of us must take it seriously.” Her charge to the contractors emphasized honesty, dedication, and professionalism, underscoring that the quality of the work would have a tangible human impact.

The 11 PHCs are located across the LGAs of Ardo-Kola, Bali, Gassol, Karim-Lamido, Sardauna, and Zing. While the original announcement does not detail the specific renovations, typical “revamping” under such partnerships often includes:
• Structural repairs and expansion of facilities.
• Provision of essential medical equipment and furniture.
• Improvement of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, which is crucial for infection prevention.
• Upgrades to power supply, often including solar energy solutions for reliability.
These improvements are designed to create an environment where skilled health personnel can provide quality antenatal care, safe delivery services, immunization, and treatment for common childhood illnesses.

The success of such projects hinges on the collaboration of all parties. Dr. Rafique specifically charged the chairmen of the benefitting councils with oversight responsibility, ensuring community ownership and timely completion. Taraba’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bondiya Buma, affirmed the state government’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for the contractors and appealed for cooperation from facility managers. This layered accountability—from international donors to local council leaders—is essential for sustainable outcomes.

Dr. Buma also praised UNICEF for ensuring transparency in the contractor selection process, a vital component in public procurement that builds trust and ensures value for money. The Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Nuhu Tukura, highlighted the continued support of UNICEF and the Global Fund, while calling on the media to maintain coverage of health sector programs, which aids public awareness and accountability.

This project, implemented by UNICEF with Global Fund financing and set for completion by March 2026, fits into a broader effort to reverse Nigeria’s poor maternal and child health indices. By revitalizing these 11 PHCs, the partnership aims to:
• Increase access to skilled birth attendance.
• Reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.
• Improve routine immunization coverage.
• Strengthen the health system’s resilience at the community level.
The ultimate goal is to create a ripple effect of improved health, productivity, and well-being in the benefitting communities. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that all stakeholders are now focused on the timely and quality execution of this vital healthcare mission.