In an effort to achieve its goals by exploring opportunities for further collaboration with International Partners (IPs), a popular Bauchi based Civil Society Organization (CSO), Journalists for Public Health and Development Initiative (J4PD) has interacted with visiting officials of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Nigeria in Bauchi.
The interaction took place on Thursday 13th April 2023 in Bauchi, the state capital.
Elizabeth Kah, is the J4PD Coordinator in Bauchi and while welcoming the visiting team, briefed the team of the CSO’s collaboration with some of USAID’s interventions and programmes in Bauchi State which she described as “productive”.
Kah explained that though the bulk of J4PD’s collaboration with USAID Nigeria are mainly focused on public health, her organization is also targeting other thematic areas like Basic Education, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Climate Change etc., with a view to contributing their quota for improved service delivery in those areas in Bauchi State.
She however, unfolded to the visiting USAID team that membership of J4PD cut across media practitioners in both print, broadcast and online channels that use evidence-based data and first- hand information in carrying out awareness and advocacy campaigns through reportage and also interfacing with citizens and policy makers that is aimed at strengthening institutions and changing negative perceptions on preconceived notions.
The coordinator said that J4PD has an ongoing collaboration with USAID funded Integrated Health Programme (USAID IHP), USAID State Accountability, Transparency and Effectiveness (USAID State2State) and Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) Project.
Kah then expressed J4PD’s gratitude to the USAID team for capacity building exercises that her organization has been enjoying. She also added that “Our doors are open for more collaboration towards improved service delivery in our areas of competence”.
Responding on behalf of the visiting team, USAID Nigeria Director of Peace, Democracy and Governance Mr. Daniel Morris thanked members of J4PD for the visit and also commended their efforts towards improved service delivery in critical areas of human development.
Mr. Morris said the visit by J4PD has certainly added value to their official visit to Bauchi State and also wished them well in their work.
