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New Era for Sokoto Health Sector as AfDB Unveils $46m Transformation Plan!
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $46 million loan to support a major overhaul of the health infrastructure in Sokoto State, aimed at tackling persistent gaps in access and quality of care.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to a statement obtained by PUNCH Online on Friday, the bank’s Board of Directors endorsed the funding for the Sokoto State Health Infrastructure Project — a transformative initiative designed to enhance healthcare delivery across all levels.
The Bank described Sokoto’s health system as being in urgent need of intervention, citing troubling statistics: only one in 20 children in the state is fully vaccinated, while infant mortality is at 104 deaths per 1,000 live births — almost double the national average of 63. Moreover, fewer than 14% of health facilities have functional infrastructure, and there is just one doctor for every 8,285 residents — far below the World Health Organisation’s recommended 1:1,000 ratio.
The project will focus on constructing and equipping healthcare facilities across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. Planned developments include a 1,000-bed teaching hospital, three zonal hospitals with a combined 450-bed capacity, and six new primary healthcare centres strategically located to reach underserved rural communities.
In addition to physical infrastructure, the project will rehabilitate health training institutions and build a state-of-the-art medical warehouse to strengthen pharmaceutical supply chains. It will also integrate renewable energy systems and electronic health infrastructure, ensuring climate-smart, energy-efficient operations while reducing emissions.
Abdul Kamara, AfDB’s Director General in Nigeria, emphasised the long-term significance of the initiative, saying, “This investment reflects our commitment to bridging infrastructure gaps in Nigeria’s health sector. It’s about building hope and delivering better health outcomes for millions.”
The project is aligned with Nigeria’s National Development Plan (2021–2025) and the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. It is projected to generate approximately 2,500 jobs — 60% of which will target youth and 30% women — while expanding annual training capacity for health professionals by 700 slots.
AfDB noted that this latest intervention builds on its past efforts in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, where it has already financed four major projects worth a total of $117.68 million.
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