International Development Bank (AfDB) distributes $46 million loan to augment healthcare services in Sokoto

International Development Bank (AfDB) distributes $46 million loan to augment healthcare services in Sokoto

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $46 million loan for a healthcare infrastructure project in Sokoto State, Nigeria. This investment aims to significantly improve healthcare outcomes by addressing critical gaps in the state's health system [1][2].

Sokoto State is currently grappling with severe health challenges. Only 5% of children are fully vaccinated, infant mortality stands at 104 per 1,000 live births (nearly double Nigeria’s average), and less than 14% of health facilities have functional infrastructure [1][2]. The project will construct and equip a 1,000-bed teaching hospital complex, three zonal hospitals with a combined capacity of 450 beds, and six primary healthcare centers strategically located to target rural areas [1][2].

The project also includes the rehabilitation of health training institutions and the development of a modern medical warehouse to strengthen pharmaceutical supply chains, which is expected to improve health service delivery and outcomes [1][2]. Abdul Kamara, the AfDB's Nigeria Office head, stated that the project aims to build hope and create pathways to better health outcomes for millions of Nigerians [1].

The project aligns with Nigeria's National Development Plan (2021-2025) and the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. It is part of a series of interventions, with this being the fifth, totalling $163.68 million [1][2]. The project will not repeat the construction of the aforementioned healthcare facilities but will focus on rehabilitation and strengthening existing infrastructure.

Underfunding and poor infrastructure in Northern Nigeria have driven poor maternal and child health outcomes. Only 1 in 20 children in the region is fully vaccinated [1][2]. By investing in climate-smart, resilient health infrastructure across primary, secondary, and tertiary care levels, the project aims to create sustainable improvements that will reduce infant mortality and under-vaccination rates, expand healthcare access, and build capacity in healthcare workforce training [1][2].

The project will build resilient, climate-adapted healthcare facilities, contributing to the AfDB's vision of transforming critical healthcare infrastructure gaps and building pathways to better health outcomes for millions in the region [1][2]. The project is being implemented in collaboration with UNICEF, WHO, USAID, and other development partners.

[1] African Development Bank. (2022). Press release: African Development Bank approves $46 million loan for healthcare infrastructure project in Sokoto State, Nigeria. Retrieved from [https://www.afdb.org/en/news-and-events/press-releases/african-development-bank-approves-46-million-loan-for-healthcare-infrastructure-project-in-sokoto-state-nigeria-39385]

[2] World Health Organization. (2021). Nigeria Health Profile. Retrieved from [https://www.who.int/countries/nga/profiles/en/]

The healthcare infrastructure project in Sokoto State aims to improve health service delivery and outcomes, especially with regard to medical-conditions such as infant mortality and vaccination rates, which are currently critical issues in the region. This project, both in its construction and rehabilitation of healthcare facilities, will focus on science and health-and-wellness by introducing climate-smart, resilient infrastructure across primary, secondary, and tertiary care levels in the state.

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