The Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency has convened a two-day Strategic Dialogue on Strengthening Primary Healthcare Centres in the state.
The dialogue was aimed at ensuring that all 21 Local Government Chairmen take ownership of the primary healthcare centres within their respective domains.
Government and Stakeholder Commitments
During the meeting, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo urged Local Government Authorities to strengthen PHCs to achieve Universal Health Coverage and maintain accountability for measurable results.
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Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Folashade Arike Ayoade, the Governor emphasised the need for Local Government Chairmen to support the World Bank IMPACT Project and work towards reducing maternal and infant mortality in the state.
Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Dr Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, noted that the state has benefited significantly from the World Bank IMPACT Project, particularly through credit facilities that support PHC service delivery, equipment, infrastructure, and human capital development.
He called on participants to ensure smooth PHC operations.
According to him, over 500 million Naira has been disbursed to Local Government Health Authorities as performance incentives.
These funds are intended to cover operational costs, engage skilled birth attendants and medical records officers, improve Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) reporting, and promote data-driven planning and decision-making.
Strategic Leadership
In a keynote address titled “The Role of Strategic Leadership in UHC: From Policy to Local Action,” the President of the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, Dr Terfa Kene, outlined key strategic leadership roles in health systems, including vision setting, policy influence, change management, resource stewardship, partnership building, and performance monitoring.
The event was attended by the IMPACT Project Manager, Olorunmaiye Ade Theophilus, representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO), and other health stakeholders in the state.
