The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno has expressed the government’s readiness to partner with Rotary International on health initiatives to improve the well-being of Akwa Ibom people.
Governor Eno stated this during a courtesy visit by members of Rotary International, led by the Trustee Chairman of the Rotary Foundation, Holger Knaack, in Uyo.
Governor Eno, a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Club, expressed appreciation to the Rotary Foundation for selecting Akwa Ibom as a pilot state for the Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge.
Describing the initiative as a timely intervention Governor Eno noted that, “the programme aligns with his administration’s ARISE healthcare initiative, which prioritises child survival and maternal health.”
He restated his administration’s unwavering resolve to deliver accessible, quality healthcare for citizens through strategic collaborations with global partners, notably Rotary International and the Rotary Foundation.
Governor Eno highlighted that his administration has so far built and renovated primary healthcare centres across the 31 local government areas to ensure accessible and quality healthcare for residents, emphasising that the interventions are designed to strengthen the healthcare delivery system.
He stated, “All over the State, we are building and renovating primary healthcare centres. Recently, we awarded the single largest contract for the construction of an International Medical Centre to redefine medical tourism in this part of the country.”
The Governor further said that the project would position Akwa Ibom as a leading destination for advanced healthcare services in the region.
The Country Lead of the Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge, Dele Balogun said the team was in Akwa Ibom State to support the State’s healthcare programmes aimed at reducing child mortality from preventable diseases such as diarrhoea, pneumonia, and malaria.
He said that “Rotary International had trained volunteers to conduct house-to-house sensitisation and offer free tests and treatment for common childhood ailments.”
While expressing appreciation to partnering organisations for their support, Balogun disclosed that, the State was selected by the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency and sponsored by the Rotary Foundation for the exercise.
On his part, Rotary Foundation Trustee Chairman, Holger Knaack reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to Nigeria’s health goals and the global fight against polio.
Highlights of the visit included the decoration of Governor Umo Eno with the prestigious Rotary pin by Mr. Holger Knaack and a visit to the ARISE Palm Resort by the Rotary Team; who commended the Governor’s visionary leadership and dedication to tourism development.