ALGON, UNICEF, NIMC, NPC partner on universal health coverage, immunization, birth registration

Idris Isah

To sharpen sustainable engagement on Universal Health coverage, Immunization and Birth Registration, the ALGON leadership, LGAs and Council Areas have converged in Abuja for brainstorming.

The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) President, Hon. Bello Lawal and Chairmen of 774 LGAs and Area Councils expressed that their commitment to improve the heath and wellbeing of rural populace was the ALGONS’ statutory responsibility in the 4th Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as ammended).

Hon. Lawal said, “I am honored to stand before you today as President of Association Of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) to welcome you to this multiple stakeholders’ engagement on birth registration. This event is made possible through the generous support of UNICEF, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and the National Population Commission,(NPC).

“Today, we gather to discuss a critical issue that affects the lives of millions of Nigerian children, birth registration and ensuring that children are protected, educated and empowered to reach their full potential”.

The ALGON President reiterated that birth registration is not just a legal right of Nigerian children but a prerequisites to ensure they are counted and protected from abuse, exploitation with an undiluted access to education and heath care.

While expressing regret on absence of domestic data on birth registration except that of UNICEF data of 30 percent of children of 5 years and bellow been registered, the development that symbolizes that millions of Nigerian children are outside the essential social services net and so vulnerable to abuse and unimaginable exploitation.

The president who pledged the commitment of Council areas in synegising with development partners, solicited for a multi- facet partnership engagement with traditional rulers, communitites and civil society organisations to achieve health care goal of SDG goal 3 for Universal Heath Care.

The ALGON President who led the high level delegation of the 774 council areas expressed the gratitude and goodwill of the Area Councils including members of the Executive Council who accompanied him to the event.

Hon Bello noted that the adoption of collaborative models of policy dialogue, and synergy with stakeholders participation, is the way to go, and so, an honour to the association.

He reiterated that continuous engagement in broadening awareness on the importance of birth registration, identifying existing challenges and barriers, with appropriate strategies, partnerships and collaborations among stakeholders will aid success of the Universal Health Coverage.

He commended the UNICEF, NIMC, and NPC for such pivotal support and corporate partnership along other stakeholders, including traditional leaders, community groups, and civil society organizations at grassroots which ALGON slogan amplify.