USAID IHP supports J4PD to develop operational policies,other

From: Ruth Yarnap, Bauchi

The Bauchi State Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded Integrated Health Program (IHP), Dr Siaka Alhassan, has supported members of Journalists for Public Health and Development Initiative (J4PD) to develop organisational policies, work plans, among others, in its bid to implement activities that are in line with reporting health issues in Bauchi state.

J4PD is a media oriented Non Governmental Organization (NGO) that is aimed at improving reportage on public health  issues.

Dr Alhassan made the call at the opening of a two-day workplan development meeting  held at Chartwell Hotel, Misau local government  in Bauchi state.

He commended the members of the NGO for their firm resolve to work in the health sector.

Dr Siaka Alhassan said that the effort of the group was noted by USAID through the leadership of IHP and urged the group to ensure that they focus more on investigative health journalism.

Represented by the Director, Finance and Administration of IHP, Daniel Yerima, the State Director advised  the members  not to limit their sources of funding to one place but partner with relevant donor agencies in order to expand their horizons of sponsorship and funding of their activities.

He said that the need for J4PD to develop an implementable workplan in order to attract partnership and funding cannot be over emphasised.

In her address, the Coordinator of J4PD, Ms. Elizabeth Carr commended USAID IHP for training members of the NGO on the rudiments of health journalism.

Carr appreciated USAID IHP for supporting and facilitating the workplan development meeting.

She urged members to actively participate in the workplan development in order to have a smooth take off.

Carr also solicited the supports of Civil Society organisations and implementing partners towards achieving the common goal of improved healthcare services in Bauchi state.