The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Mr. Dennis Idahosa, has directed that Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in rural communities be strengthened to guarantee accessible and quality healthcare for residents across the state.
The directive was issued on Friday in Benin City during the fourth quarterly meeting of the Edo State Primary Health Care Taskforce, which Idahosa chaired.
Idahosa described rural healthcare delivery as critical to improving health outcomes, stressing that governance must deliver visible grassroots impact. He challenged local government chairmen to deepen access to essential services, particularly in underserved communities.
“As leaders, our responsibility is to ensure that every resident, especially those in rural areas, can access quality healthcare. Strengthening PHCs is central to achieving this goal,” he said.
As chairman of the taskforce, Idahosa emphasized the need for full mobilisation ahead of the Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign scheduled for 2026.
The campaign targets children aged nine months to 14 years, regardless of previous vaccination status.
“Our collective goal is to reach every eligible child in Edo State with the MR vaccine. No child should be left behind,” Idahosa declared.
He explained that the campaign is designed to strengthen herd immunity and protect communities from preventable disease outbreaks, noting that success would depend on collaboration among state actors, local councils, and frontline health workers.
The meeting, which marked the taskforce’s final session for 2025, provided an opportunity to review progress, refine strategies, and prepare for intensified action in the coming year.
Idahosa reaffirmed that healthcare remains a central pillar of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda, which focuses on Security, Health, Infrastructure, Natural Resources, and Education.
“Under the Governor’s guidance, we have sustained momentum in strengthening our primary healthcare system and expanding access to essential services across the state,” he said.
The deputy governor expressed satisfaction with progress recorded in the health sector over the past year, attributing the gains to teamwork and partnerships with development agencies.
“These outcomes are the result of your collective efforts and the strong collaboration we have enjoyed with our development partners,” he noted.
He also acknowledged the strategic role of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in aligning Edo’s interventions with national priorities.
Looking ahead, Idahosa announced that the first quarter of 2026 would focus on field inspections and direct engagement with health workers across the state’s 192 PHCs in all 18 local government areas.
“We do not want to sit in Benin and assume things are working elsewhere. We want to inspect facilities and engage health workers where our people actually receive care, especially in rural areas,” he said.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, alongside representatives of development partners and health agencies.