By Chibuike Nwabuko
Abuja (Sundiata Post) — In a bid to address the maternal and child health concerns in the country, the Federal Government has inaugurated a committee to supervise the grant disbursement of $500 million grant disbursement for its ‘Saving One Million Life Programme’ to 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Committee known as ‘Independent Verification Agent’ is to liaise with the states for a seamless collaboration and disbursement of the funds, as well as monitor them accordingly since the disbursement is performance based.
The Fund is expected to address five disbursement linked indicators namely: Increasing Utilisation of High Impact Reproductive and Child Health and Nutrition Interventions; Increasing quality of High Impact reproductive and Child Health and Nutrition Interventions; Improving Monitoring and Evaluation and Data Utilisation; Increasing utilisation and quality of Reproductive and Child Health and Nutrition, in addition to increasing transparency in management and budgeting of Primary Health Centres.
Isaac Adewole, the Minister of Health, at the inauguration challenged the Committee to work independently and be firm, while ensuring that Nigeria embarrassing health indices in respect to maternal and child health are addressed accordingly.
“We promise support but not interference. We will allow you you do your work,” Adewole said.
Speaking earlier, Ibrahim Kana, the Programme Manager, urged the committee to work like referees, who will ensure a level playing field for everyone.
He reiterated that the disbursement is performance based, adding further that the disbursement-linked indicators are tied to future disbursements for states.