By Ovat Abeng
As Anambra state joins the rest of the World to celebrate this year’s World Health Day, themed, ‘Together for Health. Stand with Science’, the State Government has said that it will continue advancing development in the Health Sector with evidence-based policies and strategic investment.
The Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Health, Dr. Obiageli Uchebo made this declaration while interacting with the press to mark the day at the Data Operating Centre (DOC), of the ministry, Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka, on Tuesday.
Dr. Uchebo hinted that the state in its efforts to continue in the development of the health sector has strengthened its primary healthcare services across all the Local Government Areas by installing one Primary Healthcare Centre per ward and has expanded access to maternal and child health services, where it has recorded zero records in polio cases an offshoot to its adherence to immunization programmes.
According to her the state has also improved in its disease surveillance systems with the aim of obtaining early detection and response to outbreaks and has scaled up interventions for tuberculosis and HIV.
“At the community and local government levels, our health workers continue to demonstrate firm dedication in delivering essential services. Their efforts are central to the progress we are making, even as we confront challenges such as workforce gaps, rural access disparities and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases.”
The Permanent Secretary also outlined key priority areas that would shape the future of healthcare delivery in the state which include, “expanding Universal Health Coverage to ensure no one is left behind and strengthening health system resilience to withstand public health emergencies.”
Other ways are by “investing in health workforce development,” where it had employed over 1500 health workers, “advancing digital health and innovation through telemedicine and increasing domestic financing for health to ensure sustainability,” which has been the main focus of some of its Agencies like the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA).
The government, therefore called on all stakeholders, “Government at all levels to prioritize health in policy and funding decisions, Development partners to support locally driven, sustainable solutions, Health professionals to continue delivering quality, evidence-based care and communities to embrace science, promote healthy behaviours and support public health initiatives.”
The interaction ended with a call to everyone for dedication and service through upholding the tenets of quality healthcare services.
“Let us recommit to building a health system that is inclusive, resilient and driven by science. Together we can secure a healthier future for Anambra State and contribute meaningfully to national and global health goals.”
