The European Union (EU) has launched a €40 million for Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (SARAH) programme.
This initiative which was unveiled on Thursday in Abuja, in collaboration with the federal government of Nigeria, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), and UNICEF, aims to enhance reproductive health outcomes for women and adolescents in Sokoto, Adamawa, and Kwara states.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, who was represented by Director of the Gender, Adolescent, Social Health, and Elderly Division, Dr. John Ovuoraye, commended the EU for its support.
Pate emphasized the programme’s importance in addressing Nigeria’s health challenges.
He said this will help to address many of the health challenges plaguing Nigeria. We are extremely pleased and grateful to the EU for answering the government’s call to pool resources, both domestic and international, to tackle health issues collectively.
The Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Amb. Gautier Mignot, represented by Dr. Anthony Anyeke, said the SARAH programme’s four-year duration and seeks to improve data collection, analysis, and utilisation to enhance healthcare delivery across the focal states.
He emphasized that the initiative will pave way for improved health outcomes as well as empower individuals and communities.
“We will continue to advocate for accessible health care, informed choices and strong partnerships born out of very effective coordination and collaboration across the different multi-stakeholder groups that have been mentioned and represented here.
UNICEF Representative, Cristian Munduate, stated that the initiative will aligned with the broader agenda of the Nigerian health system to contribute effectively it’s success.
She commended EU for their technical and contributing with the funding, helping in advocacy to improve the health conditions of women and children.
Deputy Country Rep, UNFPA, Koesson Kuawu, noted that is a landmark to advance the health of women and adolescents in nigeria.
“The project will contribute to sustainable demographic transition and universal health coverage in Nigeria by supporting gender and adolescent responsive integrated sexual and reproductive health, including maternal and child health in the three targeted states,” he said.
