The Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), on Wednesday in Awka Anambra State, facilitated first quarter review meeting of Southeast Traditional Ruler’s Committee (SETRC), on Primary Health Care Delivery.The traditional rulers in South East geopolitical zone were urged to support Healthcare delivery by increasing the public awareness on regular medical checkup, immunization and other health concerns in their communities.
The Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib, who made the appeal ,affirmed that with monarchs, drives to improve the primary healthcare delivery in the zone would be attained with ease.
Shuaib, represented by Dr Bassey Okposen Bassey, the Director, Disease Control and Immunization (DCI), described immunisation as timely intervention and
potential life-saving measures whose knowledge is needed to empower the people to take charge of their health and well-being.
“As gatekeepers of our communities, traditional rulers are in a unique
position to promote health-seeking behavior. I respectfully request that
you encourage your communities to embrace primary healthcare as the
first point of contact. Emphasize the benefits of early detection and
preventive measures in maintaining good health.
“Your personal involvement and endorsement of primary healthcare services can enhance trust and confidence among the population. It is essential that we also address the misconceptions and myths surrounding healthcare interventions. Collaborating with healthcare professionals and experts, we can disseminate accurate information
about immunization, nutrition, family planning and other crucial aspects
of primary healthcare,” he said.
Dr.Shuaib added that he was delighted over the massive turn out of the Southeast traditional rulers to the event. He also stated that their participation showed their unwavering commitment to strengthening and improving health care services in the region, as their roles in shaping the healthcare landscape is invaluable.
He also urged them to encourage their People to embrace Primary Healthcare and revealed that their endorsement of primary healthcare services will elicit trust from their people, even as he made it clear that the agency will continue to work to ensure reliable, affordable and efficient primary health care services in Nigeria.
Earlier in his opening remarks,the Anambra state Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim on behalf of the state Governor Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, expressed displeasure over the infant and maternal mortality rate in the country, with emphasis on Southeast region.He stressed the need for infrastructural and human capital development and charged the community leaders to take ownership and secure the government properties in their various communities.
The Chairman, Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Ambassador Lawrence Agubuzu in his remarks ,pointed out that they are always concerned about the health of their people and that they will always support programmes and policies by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency geared towards enhancing the health indices of the region. He also assured that communities would look into whatever decisions reached at the end of the meeting to ensure their full implementations accordingly,for a healthier society.
Also speaking, the Country-Director, World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, represented by Dr Chimuanya Igboekwu, explained that the government in its agenda for health, recognised monarchs as key stakeholders in strengthening communily participation for health.
He stated that a new vaccine called HPV will be introduced to the states in no distant time.
He emphasized that the vaccine will help prevent cervical cancer amongst women and solicits for partnership with the states governments in anyway possible.
On her part, the UNICEF representative in Nigeria, Mrs Cristian Munduate, urged monarchs to demand services from the health facilities, as well as to hold health authorities in their domains accountable for quality service delivery.
Earlier while breaking the kolanut, the Chairman, Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe of Onitsha, represented by Igwe Sunday Okafor of Okpuno Community thanked the organisers of the event for a job well done and prayed God to give Ndigbo and Nigerians good health and long life.
In an interview, the Anambra State commissioner for Health,Dr. Afam Obidike said that the meeting will help to enhance efficiency in the system, and appealed to the traditional rulers to always support the health ministry in achieving the desired result.
The delibration was centred on Polio Eradication, COVID-19 Vaccination, Non-Polio Supplementary Immunization Activities, Maternal and Child Health Interventions and the CHIPS Programme.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency Dr Simeon Onyemaechi, UNICEF, relevant stakeholders within the southeast region,among others were present during the event.
