Anambra State Wins National Title at Primary Healthcare Challenge

Anambra State, located in South East Nigeria, has been crowned the top champion in the South East and the overall winner nationwide at the second edition of the Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge Awards. The state was awarded a cash prize of $1.2 million in recognition of its exceptional performance.

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The prestigious awards ceremony, dedicated to recognizing transformative leadership and excellence in primary healthcare, was hosted by His Excellency, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Executive Governor of Kwara State. Held in Abuja on Thursday, December 12, 2024, the event coincided with the global celebration of Universal Health Coverage Day.

The event featured distinguished guests, including Senator Kashim Shettima, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who served as the special guest of honor, and Professor Muhammed Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, who delivered the keynote address.

Anambra State excelled at the Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge by emerging as the best state in the South East, earning a $500,000 cash prize. Additionally, it was honored as the overall best state in the country, securing an additional $700,000. This brought Anambra State’s total winnings at the Challenge to $1.2 million.

The award was personally received by Governor Professor Chukwuma Soludo, who was accompanied by Dr. Afam Obidike, Commissioner for Health; Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning; Pharm. Chisom Uchem, Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA); and Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi, Managing Director of the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA).

The event was organized in partnership with key stakeholders, including the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Aliko Dangote Foundation, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and UNICEF.

Oluchi Okwuego