The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has approved a $4.49 million grant aimed at enhancing healthcare interventions in Adamawa state in a bid to bolster healthcare initiatives in the region.
The grant is earmarked to expedite the rehabilitation of nine primary healthcare facilities across eight local government areas within the state.
Laurent De Boeck, Chief of Mission International Organisation of Migration (IOM), disclosed this development on Wednesday during the project inauguration held at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola.
De Boeck emphasized that approximately 150,000 residents are poised to benefit from the upgraded facilities, with an additional 80 persons with disabilities set to receive referrals and specialized assistance.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri highlighted the project’s alignment with the government’s strategy to phase out Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across the state.
Represented by his deputy, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, the governor reiterated the project’s broader aim of addressing health-related challenges among displaced persons, returnees, and host communities.
Furthermore, Governor Fintiri pledged to leverage Japanese expertise to propel Adamawa state into a 21st-century economy, emphasizing the integration of ICT in education, digital health technologies, and entrepreneurship development.
He also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to exploring collaborations with development partners to meet the healthcare and other needs of its populace.
The involvement of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Adamawa state reflects a broader trend of international aid and development assistance aimed at addressing humanitarian crises and bolstering healthcare infrastructure in conflict-affected regions.
By addressing health-related challenges and promoting peaceful coexistence, the project aims to contribute to the broader goals of sustainable development and peacebuilding in the region.