ANAMBRA REMAINS ETERNALLY GRATEFUL TO WHO, OTHERS, ON CONTINUED COLLABORATION IN HEALTH

 Anambra remains eternally grateful to WHO, other UN Agencies continued collaboration in health

By Chukwudi Nwauba

Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike says the state will eternally remain grateful to World Health Organisation (WHO), other United Nations (UN) Agencies for their continued collaboration in the health sector of the state.

Dr. Obidike said that the administration of Gov. Charles Soludo is aware of the important role and contributions of UN Agencies in the state, which is why the governor a few months ago invited all the UN representatives in Nigeria to the state so as to strengthen the partnership.

He reaffirmed the commitment of his Ministry in ensuring that the objectives of the WHO, UN Agencies in achieving the Universal Health Coverage are actualized in the state.

The commissioner said this when the South East WHO Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Chukwumuanya Igboekwu paid him a courtesy visit in his office at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka.

``As for me the Emergency Medical Service Ambulance System is a missing link in achieving Universal Health Coverage, we have reached an agreement with the Private Hospitals to onboard.

``So, we need the technical support from the WHO because once this is achieved then achieving Universal Health Coverage will be a thing of the past.

Dr. Obidike thanked them for their continued support in Immunizations, tackling Monkeypox, Measles outbreaks and other infectious diseases in the state.

The South East WHO Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Chukwumuanya Igboekwu said the visit is to engage in policy dialogue with the Commissioner to deepen the collaborative relationship between WHO, the Government of Anambra

``To also emphasise those areas that WHO is willing, committed to supporting the government based on priorities that the government have also identified in the areas of Primary HealthCare (PHC) revitalization that is the revitalization of PHCs system.

``In the area of strengthening the Immunisation, not just routing Immunisation but other areas of Immunisation including COVID-19 Vaccination and Polio SIA’s, Measles mass vaccination of which the state is planning to implement in October.

``Also in the areas of disease surveillance and outbreak response and preparing the state to be able to respond to health emergencies and also to strengthen the coordination and governance of the health system.

Dr. Igboekwu explained that WHO as the lead Agency of the UN in the area of health coordination are committed to supporting the government not only in that area but in broader health system strengthening.

`` We had a very fruitful discussion with the commissioner, his team and we have agreed on some of the areas that we can actually move forward within the coming days.       

  He reiterated the WHO commitment is to always support the state government at all levels, the State and the Local Government with the objective of seeing a strong health system in the state through the Ministry of Health. 

In attendance during the visit include, Dr. Adamu Abdulnasir, Anambra State WHO Coordinator, Dr. Adaoha Anosike, UNAIDS National Programme Officer and Mr. A Muhammed SIA COVID-19.(MOI)