Following the agreement made by the Nigerian Governors’ forum in Abuja to operationalize eradication of polio and Primary HealthCare Development in the country, Enugu State Government ,Friday, sensitized the 17 Local Government chairmen in the state and their Deputies on Abuja commitments , urging them to support the health programs of the State Government.
The state Governor ,Dr Peter Mbah, World Health Organisation( WHO) National Primary HealthCare Death Agency( NPHCDA) and Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency( ENSPHCDA) made the call in their separate speeches at a One-Day orientation workshop on “Operationalization of Abuja Commitments to Polio Eradication, Routine Immunization, and Strengthening Primary HealthCare Development, organised by the Enugu State Primary HealthCare Development Agency, in collaboration with World Health Organization in Enugu .
Pix: SSG, Prof Chidiebere Onyia
Declaring the workshop open, Governor Mbah who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the state government had shown significant commitment to the health sector by investing hugely in it. He disclosed that out of the 260 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres being constructed across the 260 political wards in the state, 60 have been completed and equipped.
He reassured the State Government’s commitment to implementing all the healthcare initiatives as captured in the state ‘s budget.
Pix: The participants
In their goodwill messages, the representative of the National Primary HealthCare Development Agency, Dr Ifeoma Uduji, the Zonal Coordinator of WHO, Dr Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, said though Nigeria has been declared a Polio-free country, but there were still pockets of the disease as identified in some parts of the state.
Pix: Participants
They called for the support of the Local Government chairmen and their Deputies in strengthening Primary HealthCare Development in their areas.
Pix: Dr Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, Zonal Coordinator of WHO
Speaking also, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Emmanuel Obi, who was represented by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Dr Mrs Chinwe Anibueze, the Enugu State House of Assembly Committee Chairman on health and member representing Udi State Constituency, Hon. Okechukwu Aneke, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Yomi Jaye, commended the state Governor, Peter Mbah for his good works in the state, especially his investment in the health sector.
Pix: Dr. Chinwe Anibueze, Permanent secretary, Enugu State Ministry of Health
They urged Local Government chairmen and their Deputies to make budgetary provision for Primary HealthCare . They also urged them to develop an actionable plan on Abuja commitments.
Pix: SPA Health, Dr. Yomi Jaye
Earlier in her welcome address, the Executive Secretary, Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku said the workshop was to reaffirm Enugu state’s Abuja Commitments to polio eradication and PHC development.
She lamented that the United States’ and some major donors ‘ withdrawal from the WHO, had affected funding of some health interventions such as the suspension of PEPFAR assistance.
“This workshop, therefore, presents an opportunity for us to reflect, strategize, and take ownership of our healthcare system, ensuring that we are not left vulnerable to external uncertainties”, she said.
Pix: Dr Ifeyinwa Ani- Ocheku
Dr. Ani-Ocheku highlighted the key focus areas for the workshop which included :
‘to effectively strengthen the PHC system; revitalizing PHC and ensuring full implementation of the PHC under one roof model; aligning the strategies with national health policies for a unified, effective approach; Exploring sustainable funding mechanisms, ensuring they are not over-reliant on donor support; Strengthening community engagement, recognizing that healthcare systems succeed when they actively involve the people they serve and fostering intergovernmental collaboration.
Pix: Hon. Mrs Nkiru (Onwa) Deputy Chairman ,Ezeagu L G.A
The Executive Secretary said what they decided must translate into concrete actions that will ensure every citizen in Enugu has access to quality, reliable, and sustainable healthcare services.
Pix: SSG (m) and the participants
She commended the World Health Organization (WHO)-for being a trusted partner ,saying, “WHO’s unwavering commitment to our health system has been instrumental in shaping our progress, and we remain grateful for this enduring partnership”.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama