By Nene Olaye
As part of measures aimed at enhancing the administration of vaccination exercises in Edo State, the State Government through the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), has held its second-quarter Review Meeting for the Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) Project at the Jokers Hotel in Benin City.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole remarked that the IMPACT Project aims to improve healthcare service delivery across the State by reducing maternal mortality, stating, “Through the IMPACT Project, ultrasound machines were bought and distributed to LGAs, and skilled birth attendants (SBAs) were also hired to support frontline health workers in reducing maternal deaths. Additionally, 61 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are being upgraded across the 18 LGAs of the State with plans to launch them soon.”
In an address, the Executive Secretary of EDSPHCDA, Dr. Coulson Oahimire Osoikhia explained that the IMPACT Project is a World Bank-sponsored initiative in partnership with the Edo State Government. In his words, “The goal of the IMPACT Project is to provide better healthcare services and improve infrastructure in Edo State. This is done in partnership with the State Government, under the leadership of Sen. Monday Okphebholo, which is fully committed to improving the health of the people of Edo.”
The Programme Manager of the IMPACT Project, Dr. Idemudia Osayomore highlighted the programme’s achievements to include upgrading of 61 health facilities; offering free antenatal services; family planning; health education;’ free deliveries; and free malaria testing and treatment at the 146 BHCPF/IMPACT-supported facilities across the State.
Dr. Osayomore noted that routine immunization for children under five years is ongoing, along with the distribution of free Mama kits to mothers after delivery at the BHCPF/IMPACT-supported facilities. In his words, “The project’s main goal is to reduce child mortality and prevent unnecessary maternal death as well as improve Primary healthcare services and utilization in Edo State. We are gathered here for this ‘quarter two’ Data Review Meeting to look at our progress in the State in the last 6 months, look at our challenges and see the way forward.”
The meeting was well attended by key stakeholders in the Health Sector including representatives from the Edo State Ministry of Health, the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme (EDOHIS), the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Medical Officers of Health, Technical partners, EDSPHCDA staff, as well as the State Project Implementation Unit (PIU) of IMPACT Project.
A cross section of participants at the second-quarter Review Meeting for the Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) Project at Jokers Hotel in Benin City
