Charles Ekanem|10 January 2018
DR BETTA EDU HOLDS TALK WITH VICE PRESIDENT JENIFER BLANKE AND MANAGEMENT TEAM
In a bid to improve healthcare in Africa, African Development Bank ( AfDB) met with Cross River Governor's aide on Primary Healthcare, Dr Betta Edu, to discuss healthcare researches, resources and development as well as policy-making; in Abidjan Capital of Côte d'Ivoire.
It was a long session that lasted for hours as the meeting covered discussions on government policies, institutions and mechanisms that can help unlock the transformative potential of the African economy and healthcare provisions, therefore contributing to the building of resilient societies in the continent.
Speaking, the Vice President of African Development Bank noted that healthcare provision remain an important factor that need urgent intervention by AfDB. She said the organization will work with the Nigeria team to offer support to States.
According to her the bank has been providing healthcare support but through the federal Government but will start supporting States directly to reduce the bureaucratic gaps that may have existed.
She advised Cross River to work closely with the Nigerian office and start applying for AfDB grant on healthcare.
Also speaking, Dr Edu said the grant which is at the range of $300,000- 500, 000 does not cover infrastructural development but will support PHCs, neglected tropical diseases, Adolescent nutrition and healthcare finance.
She said there also have project preparatory grant which Cross River can benefit through Ayadeacare and Calapharms as it will allow them to know our focus and how we want to be finance.
Dr Edu was very optimistic about getting the grant for Cross River State even though she noted the process to access the grant was very competitive.
Other meetings held at Abidjan In Cote d'Ivoire included the World HIV congress and Paper Health information system in child/ Primary Health which had in attendance former Commissioner for Health, Prof Angela Oyo-Ita. Dr Betta Edu presented several papers on Primary healthcare.
Charles Ekanem
Reports from Calabar
