Niger integrates 396 UNICEF/GAVI health workers into civil service

Niger State has officially integrated 396 health workers, who were previously engaged through UNICEF and GAVI supported programs, into the state's civil service. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Bagana, announced the absorption during the presentation of employment letters, stating the action is designed to bolster healthcare delivery and alleviate manpower shortages in communities across the state.

Dr. Bagana, represented by Permanent Secretary Dr. Abdullahi Imam, highlighted that the government's commitment to sustaining quality healthcare at the grassroots level is underscored by this integration. He explained that development partners like UNICEF and GAVI had identified critical human resource gaps in the state's healthcare facilities and initiated discussions with the government to address these needs. The partners sought assurances that the healthcare professionals they invested in would eventually be absorbed into permanent service.

“

While government may provide modern infrastructure and medical equipment, effective healthcare delivery cannot be achieved without adequate manpower.

This integration fulfills a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the previous administration under Governor Abubakar Bello, and reaffirmed by the current Governor Muhammad Umar Bago. The newly employed personnel, including nurses, midwives, and community health workers, have served for two to three years in various communities. They will continue their service in these areas, leveraging their established experience and community relationships. The Commissioner also noted that over 3,000 healthcare professionals have been recruited in the last three years, with significant upgrades to 116 healthcare facilities.

“

The partners had expressed their willingness to invest in young healthcare professionals and sought assurances from the Niger State Government that beneficiaries of the programme would eventually be integrated into permanent service due to the long-term nature of healthcare needs.