By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Sector-wide Approach (SWAp), initiative of the Federal Government in collaboration with the Kwara and partners have commenced selection process of 16 Health Fellows across the Local Government Area of Kwara.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that the Health Fellows are expected to help reposition Primary Health Care (PHC) across the 16 LGAs.
NAN reports that President Bola Tinubu approved the establishment of the National Health Fellows Programme, with young Nigerian fellows to be engaged in all the 774 local government areas in the country.
Speaking on Monday in Ilorin on the sidelines of the National Health Fellowship Programme Cohort 2-0 Physical Interview, Dr Ola Ahmed, the SWAp Desk Officer in Kwara explained the programme is domiciled in the SWAp coordination office.
This, he said is under the office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammad Ali-Pate.
Ahmed stated that the fellows will be recruited, remunerated, and equipped with appropriate tools to drive positive change in the health sector
He observed that the initiative will help strengthen the nation’s healthcare system by equipping young Nigerians to become catalysts for change in their communities.
“This is the second editon, last year people applied online across the country and at the end of the day, three people were selected per LGA, and we are going to select one person out of those three for each of the LGA,” he said.
The SWAp Desk Officer explained further that the fellows are expected to work within a period of 10 months.
Ahmed pointed out that the fellows will also have mentors to guide them on the necessary skills required on leadership in primary healthcare system.
“Fellows are expected to exhibit leadership skills, motivation, integrity and be ethical in their duties,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Nuhu Majeed-Podo, the Representative of ALGON, and Executive Chairmen of Ilorin South task the Fellows to be dedicated and committed.
He observed that the previous Fellows were fully engaged by the president after the duration of the stipulated time due to their dedication and hard work.
In his reaction, the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin, Dr Atolagbe Usman reiterated the importance of the exercise, saying only the best candidates will be selected for the job.
He advised the Fellows to do their job effectively, while encouraging them to give back to the society and show commitment to duty.
