USAID Implementing Partners Assure C'River Gov't Of Continuous Support

By Kingsley Agim

The United States Agency for International Development, USAID's Implementing Partners in Cross River have assured the State Government of their continuous support to critical areas of need, especially in healthcare development.

The Implementing Partners made the pledge, recently, during a courtesy visit on the Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, in his office in Calabar.

Speaking on behalf of the team, Umana Joe, the State Director of Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), a leading indigenous, volunteer-based non-profit Organisation, described the existing relationship between the State and Implementing Partners as excellent, and expressed confidence in the present health sector led by Dr. Henry Ayuk, adding that with him leading the charge, the sector is in for imminent revolution.

"Be rest assured of our USAID Implementing Partners' collaboration with Cross River State," he stated, while also promising remediation of catchment areas of service.

In his response, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, who welcomed the team whom he described as colleagues, given his over 16 years involvement in health development, and restated the present administration's commitment to providing a conducive environment for sustainable and impactful partnership to thrive.

"I will work with you, but I will also be very demanding. We want to know what your targets are, argue about them in order to find common ground.

"We want to make a difference; and it has to come from you, my dear colleagues. Our relationship should be performance based," the Commissioner tasked.

He urged the Implementing Partners schedule respective meetings with him to fashion out best ways for effective interventions for the State.

Dr. Ayuk also implored the partners to ensure upscale of healthcare services, improve private sector participation, boost general hospitals services, as well as attract funding that would engender Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Cross River State.

In her remarks, the Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Dr Mrs Pauline Obute appreciated the partners for deeming it necessary to visit the Commissioner to congratulate and pledge their support for the Otu's administration in health care development, while expressing optimism for a more robust relationship between partners and government.

The high level team comprised of representatives from Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), Center for Clinical Care and Clinical Research (CCCRN), KNCV Nigeria, Heartland Alliance, among others.