USAID Trains Sokoto, Zamfara Health Agency staff on capacity building

The USAID-funded Local Health System Sustainability Project has organized a capacity-building training for staff of Sokoto and Zamfara State Contributory Healthcare Management Agencies. The training, which took place at Azbir Hotel in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State capital, aims to equip participants with essential skills to enhance service delivery.

In his opening remarks, the Director General of the Sokoto State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (SOCHEMA), Yusuf Abu Abdulkarim, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of the training. He noted that the program comes at a crucial time as the agency prepares for the commencement of its formal sector healthcare program.

“This training will equip you with the tools necessary for the tasks ahead, especially as we begin implementing the formal sector healthcare scheme,” he said. Abdulkarim also expressed gratitude to USAID for making the training a reality and urged participants to fully engage with the sessions to ensure the successful implementation of their duties.

Advocacy for State Healthcare Scheme

In a related development, SOCHEMA has embarked on advocacy visits to various ministries, departments, and agencies in Sokoto State to sensitize civil servants about the formal sector healthcare scheme.

Leading the advocacy efforts, Yusuf Abu Abdulkarim visited the offices of the Sokoto State Head of Civil Service and the Sokoto Agricultural Development Project (SADP). He explained the scheme’s benefits and its alignment with Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s administration’s nine-point agenda, which prioritizes healthcare.

“The formal sector healthcare program is designed to provide comprehensive medical services to civil servants and their families. We are committed to ensuring its success,” Abdulkarim stated.

The Permanent Secretary for Administration and General Services, Alhaji Sama’ila Wali, representing the Head of Civil Service, commended SOCHEMA’s initiative. He described the advocacy visit as timely and urged the agency to incorporate motivated and well-trained staff for seamless implementation.

Similarly, the Program Manager of SADP, Abubakar D. Muhammad, and Umar Bello Wamakko of Sokoto Fertilizer Supply Company lauded the visit, expressing their readiness to disseminate information about the scheme to their teams.

The Sokoto State formal sector healthcare scheme is poised to enhance the welfare of civil servants and their dependents, ensuring access to quality healthcare services across the state.