Anambra State Government has honoured top-performing local government councils and healthcare workers under its Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge Fund, as authorities seek to strengthen accountability and improve healthcare delivery at the grassroots.
The awards, organised by the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency in partnership with development organisations, recognised outstanding leadership, innovation and service delivery in primary healthcare across the state’s 21 local government areas.
Speaking at the ceremony in Awka, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, said the initiative was designed to promote leadership, accountability and collaboration among local governments in addressing healthcare challenges.
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“The challenge is not merely a competition but a call to action to prioritise the health and well-being of our people through stronger collaboration and innovation,” Obidike said
He credited the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo with expanding access to healthcare through investments in primary healthcare infrastructure, describing the state’s performance as among the strongest in Nigeria’s South-East region.
Obidike also commended the Governor’s wife, Dr Nonye Soludo, for supporting public health initiatives through her Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo programme, which promotes preventive healthcare, nutrition and community wellness.
Addressing participants, the First Lady said the awards reflected the state’s commitment to building a healthcare system that is responsive, accountable and people-centred.
Progress Recorded
She said the Soludo administration had recorded progress in primary healthcare through investments in health facilities, recruitment and training of healthcare workers, improved access to essential medicines and strengthened maternal and child health services.
“Primary healthcare remains the foundation of disease prevention, health promotion, immunisation, maternal and child care, nutrition and community health education,” Mrs Soludo said.
She added that her initiative would continue to complement government efforts through partnerships and grassroots interventions.
Winners
Anaocha Local Government Area emerged as the overall winner of the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge, with its Mayor, Rome Ibekwe, receiving a cash prize of three million naira.
Ihiala Local Government Area, led by Mayor Anayo Orjiakor, placed second and received two million naira, while Oyi Local Government Area, headed by Mayor Emma Nweke, came third and received one million naira.
Other recipients included Dr Amadi Chibuike, who won the Best Telemedicine Doctor Award, and Chukwuma Ifeoma, who received the HIV Best Desk Officer Award. Edith Onwuka was named Best Programme Manager in the state.
Representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF and Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) delivered goodwill messages, reaffirming support for efforts to strengthen primary healthcare services and improve health outcomes across Anambra State.
