The Enugu State Government has called on the 17 Local Government Chairmen and their deputies to join forces with the state government to eradicate Polio and other child killer diseases in the state.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, made the call during a one-day orientation workshop organized by the Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).
The workshop, which held at the Enugu State Government House, was aimed at sensitizing the Local Government Chairmen and their deputies on the need to take ownership of the healthcare system and ensure that their communities are not left vulnerable to external uncertainties.
Prof. Onyia noted that the state government has invested heavily in developing primary healthcare centers across the state, with 60 out of 260 centers already completed and equipped. He commended the WHO for their support and reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing healthcare initiatives outlined in the budget.
In her remarks, the Executive Secretary, Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, emphasized the need for the Local Government Chairmen to take ownership of the healthcare system and ensure that their communities are protected from external uncertainties.
Also speaking at the workshop, the representative of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Ifeoma Uduji, and the agency’s zonal coordinator, Dr. Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, noted that despite Nigeria being declared Polio-free, pockets of the disease still exist in some parts of Enugu State.
They highlighted progress in revitalizing primary healthcare through increased funding, but stressed that more investment is necessary to achieve universal health coverage.
Other notable speakers at the workshop included the state commissioner for health, Prof. Emmanuel Obi, represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Dr. Mrs. Chinwe Anibueze, the House Committee Chairman on health, Hon. Okechukwu Aneke, as well as the Special Adviser to the governor on Health, Dr. Yomi Jaye.
By Fred Nnaji, Government House Correspondent.