The World Health Organisation, WHO, has honoured the Chairman, Enugu East Council Area of Enugu State, Mr. Beloved-Dan Anike, for his outstanding contributions to advancing Universal Health Coverage, UHC.
Dr Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, WHO South-East Zonal Coordinator, presented the award of recognition to Anike for inclusive health strategies on Wednesday at the Council Headquarters in Enugu.
He commended the council boss for enrolling 5,000 vulnerable residents into the Enugu State UHC scheme, an initiative championed by Gov. Peter Mbah.
The zonal coordinator hailed Anike as the first council chairman in the state to earn such an honour, describing his leadership as visionary and inclusive.
He noted that 99 per cent of Enugu East’s health initiatives align with WHO’s national health priorities and pledged the organisation’s full support for the council’s efforts.
“This partnership will position Enugu East as a model for sustainable, community-driven health development in Nigeria,” Igboekwu stated.
In his response, Anike dedicated the award to Gov Mbah, noting that the state’s broader health reform agenda, particularly the plan to construct 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, provided the framework for their local initiatives.
“This award is a validation of the Governor’s vision and our collective resolve to bring that vision closer to the people.
“Enugu East is committed to complementing state efforts and delivering results,” Anike said.
Outlining the council’s strategic plan for the collaboration, Dr Joy Udiji, Senior Special Assistant to the chairman on Public Health, highlighted key focus areas.
According to her, the council is expanding access to quality primary healthcare, strengthening disease surveillance, scaling up immunization efforts, and equipping five new Type 1 Primary Healthcare Centres,
Others are enhancing water, sanitation, and hygiene, WASH, infrastructure, and establishing the proposed Metropolitan School of Health Technology to train frontline health workers.
NAN/Shakirat Sadiq