Anambra State Government has collaborated with the World Health Organization (WHO) to organize a one day retreat for 21Local Government Chairmen, LG Directors of Health, Supervisors and partners on Integrated Primary HealthCare (PHC) Service Delivery across the state.
The retreat is aimed at ensuring uptake in routine immunization, vaccine acceptance and optimal healthcare service delivery across the state and for the 21 LG Chairmen to fully take ownership of health in their various local government areas.
We must improve on the low level of immunization vaccine acceptance in the state, its proven benefits certified by the World Health Organization. The Commissioner disclosed this in his address during engagement meeting with ALGON and LGA Council Members on Integrated Primary Healthcare Service Delivery.
The meeting organised by the State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), was held in Awka,
According to him, despite the proven benefits of immunization, vaccine acceptance remains a critical challenge, particularly in regions like some local government areas of the state.
Refusal of vaccines despite the availability of vaccination services is a complex issue influenced by multiple factors, including misinformation, cultural beliefs, lack of trust in healthcare systems, poor awareness campaign and fear of side effects.
In some cases, religious doctrines and traditional practices further contribute to poor acceptance rates, leaving many communities vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases.
Addressing this issue requires coordinated strategies to educate communities, build trust and strengthen the delivery of immunization services across the state.
The Commissioner noted that the engagement meeting is to develop institutional capacity and responsiveness required to ensure and enhance primary healthcare service delivery across the 179 communities in the state.
He also urged the participants to intensify awareness campaigns on the benefits of immunization in their various council areas.
Executive Secretary State Primary Healthcare Development Agency; Pharm. Chisom Uchem thanked the participants for their support in healthcare of the state.
Aguata LG Chairman, Dr. Chibueze Offorbuike who is also the ALGON Chairman in the state assured the commitment of all the 21 LG Chairmen in addressing all the issues raised.
The event also witnessed the presence of all the 21 local government chairmen in the state, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health; Dr. Obiageli Uchebo, Traditional rulers, representative of World Health Organization WHO and other relevant stakeholders in the health sector.
Echezona Okafor.
Anambra Health Commissioner Chairs Health Strategic Meeting With Partners
The Anambra State Commissioner for Health; Dr. Afam Obidike has chaired a strategic health meeting with World Health Organisation (WHO), other health partners in the State.
Dr. Obidike’s leadership in convening a strategic health meeting with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health partners suggests a proactive approach to addressing the state’s health challenges.
The meeting focused on identifying areas for improvement, strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring better service delivery to the people.
The Commissioner addressing the participants in his office at the Jerome Udoji State Secretariat Complex, Awka, reiterated the commitment of Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo’s administration in health.
We were able to evaluate our performance in health and as well mapped out what we want to achieve this year. I must commend the leadership of WHO in the State; Dr. Bonos Mohammed who is the WHO State Coordinator for always providing us with technical support and financial assistance.
Ours is to ensure the public has access to affordable, functional and quality care across the state. “The public are hereby advised to always reach out to the following emergency numbers for swift response, 5111 and 112.”
In attendance during the the meeting include, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health; Dr. Obiageli Uchebo, WHO staffs, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu and Mrs. Uju Onwuegbuzinam.
