The Bayelsa State government, alongside partners such as Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunisation (GAVI), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and Corona Management, conducted a visit to recently renovated primary health care centres in the Kaiama community (Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area) and Zarama (Yenagoa LGA).

The visit marked the closure of a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at improving health care delivery in the state.

The high-level mission team was warmly welcomed by HRH J.O. Burutolu, the Amananaowei of Kaiama.

Chief Burutolu expressed gratitude to Gavi, UNICEF, and the Bayelsa state government for their significant efforts in enhancing primary health care in the community.

He emphasised that the renovations and quality facilities had led to a notable decrease in the prevalence of common diseases in the area.

The paramount ruler commended the collaboration between the state government, Gavi, and UNICEF, highlighting the positive impact of their interventions on primary health care in Bayelsa.

He also recognised the initiatives of Governor Douye Diri, who had overseen various ongoing projects throughout the state.

Burutolu assured the visiting team that the community would ensure adequate security for the newly upgraded health facilities.

Dr. Anslem Audu, Chief Field Officer for UNICEF Port Harcourt, expressed satisfaction with the partnership over the past three years.

He noted that the visit aimed to officially hand over the health centres to the Bayelsa state government, which will continue to provide essential health care services to the community.

During the visit to the Zarama Health Centre, the mission team interacted with mothers and children who were receiving medical care. Officers in Charge, Azibalua Dakolo and Adams Abomo Preye, expressed appreciation for the transformation initiated by Gavi, UNICEF, and the state government.