Nigeria launches EU-funded €80M healthcare project

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - Nigeria on Thursday launched an EU-funded €80 million ($85 million) healthcare system for women and children, specifically targeting polio vaccination, malnutrition and care for women in pregnancy.

The Nigerian authorities and their donor partners said the project is the first phase of support from the EU to the country's health sector under the 11th EU Development Fund, and is to be implemented by UNICEF and the World Health Organization in collaboration with at least five Nigerian states.

A statement from organizers said they hoped the majority of the funding would be used to ensure three million children in Adamawa, Bauchi and Kebbi states would have round-the-clock access to health services by 2020.

“The project will also support efforts to eradicate polio permanently from Nigeria,” the statement added.

Michael Arrion, EU ambassador to Nigeria, said the project aimed to improve access to effective health and nutrition as well as to help eradicate polio in targeted states.

“The focus is especially on providing services to poor, marginalized, rural women and children, saving the lives of mothers and children and improving their health and nutrition through a sustainable primary healthcare delivery system,” he added.