UNICEF, GAVI, WHO Donate To Bayelsa Government

By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa

The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF Nigeria, has officially handed over four boat engines and a 30 KVA electric power generator to the Bayelsa State Government to help improve healthcare delivery in the state’s riverine communities.

The handover, which took place yesterday at the Bayelsa State Ministry of Transportation in Yenagoa, is part of the ongoing Primary Health Care Model Program, which is a collaboration between the Nigerian Government, Bayelsa State, GAVI, UNICEF, and WHO to strengthen health systems across Nigeria.

Ms Judith Leveillee, Chief of Field, UNICEF Nigeria Office, stated that the boat means much more to her than just an ordinary boat, as it is a means of saving lives, God-given lives.

I would like to recognise the hard work of the health workers and the authorities. I believe today’s event, combined with the rain and lightning, will inspire us to cross the creek and provide health care to the vulnerable and underprivileged.”

“When I was told that I would be coming to Nigeria eight months ago, I was overjoyed because the country is both a hub and a giant in Africa, with so many talented people. For me, Nigerian children and Africans deserve the best. To make this happen, we must ensure that they have access to high-quality health care, education, and protections. This can only happen if communities and authorities work together.

“We would like to thank our donors, the Global Alliance for vaccines and immunisations, WHO and all health workers, as well as the government of Bayelsa State for their leadership. We have made tremendous progress.

Leveillee stated, “This donation builds on previous UNICEF support, including six ambulance boats handed over in 2024 to improve emergency healthcare access in the state’s riverine communities.”

UNICEF and its partners continue to support Bayelsa State in improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations, ensuring that no child is denied access to essential health services. The collaboration remains a model for successful public-private partnerships in Nigeria’s health sector.

Prof. Seiyefa Birisibe, the State Commissioner for Health, thanked UNICEF, GAVI, and WHO for the donation.

Birisibe stated that the equipment would significantly improve the state’s healthcare delivery system, particularly in difficult-to-access areas.

He stated, “For us in Bayelsa, we must be able to produce children, men, and women who are competitive in all aspects of life. Yes, we have protein in most cases, but it is insufficient to prevent malnutrition. We used to have stunted growth, a big tummy with tiny legs, or a big head with tiny legs. You can imagine because this is what has happened to me before.

“So, when we see these types of opportunities, let the child grow up, even if not everyone at this time does not face the same challenges that we do.That they will only have opportunities to become stronger, more brilliant, and faster than we were. As a ministry, this is an opportunity for us to express ourselves in order to accomplish our goals.

“As a state, we believe that no mother or child should die due to excessive complications. Public health should not cause any mortality in our society; this is the fundamental principle on which we work, and for me and the ministry, we are working in collaboration and support with WHO, UNICEF, and all of our partners. Today marks another milestone because the boats will be used as an emergency to evacuate children and mothers who require immediate medical attention.

“I want to assure you that we will keep it so that it can be used for the good and prosperity of Bayelsa State.”

Dr. Appah Williams, executive secretary of the Bayelsa Primary Healthcare Board, stated in his brief welcome remark that six ambulance boats were initially given to the state by UNICEF through the GAVI HSS MOU.

He stated that, despite the fact that the MOU has expired, the state continues to receive items from its partners. The HSS MOU has greatly strengthened the majority of what the state is doing. “These boats will assist us with immunisation outreach and other activities.”