by crossriverwatch admin
Cross River State has been boosted with a cash prize of $1 million by the Bill and Belinda Gates Foundation for emerging as the best performing State in the South-South Geo-Political Zone Nigeria Governors’ Leadership Challenge Grant.
This was announced in Calabar, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the implementation of the Nigeria Governors’ Leadership Challenge Grant between Cross River State and the Grant Administrator of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, who was represented by Dr. Hajo Sani.
Sani expressed happiness with the State at its level of commitment and implementation of the program.
Sani commended the state for being a pacesetter in the zone, as well as its effort to sustain the program to reduce infant mortality which she noted, was worthy of emulation within the South-South.
Governor Liyel Imoke expressed appreciation for the initiative which he said had, significantly improved the effort of the State towards family health.
He said Cross River was committed to attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MGDs) and it would ensure that the poor and the vulnerable in the state had access to medical healthcare.
He said the State would work with the Foundation to attain greater heights.
The Special Adviser on Community and Primary Health, Dr. Iyam Ugot, said the prize would enable the state achieve its MDGs 2,5,6 and 7 as well as reduce its indices from maternal health care which also covers infant mortality.
Ugot further explained that the cash would enable the State build accommodation for the facilities as well as carry out the training of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) and other health care workers to chart a plan in conjunction with Grant Administrator.
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